Briar Cliff installs Dr. Matthew Draud as 13th president

By RENEE WEBB
Content and Design Coordinator

In his inaugural address as the 13^th president of Briar Cliff University in Sioux City held March 12, Dr. Matthew Draud shared his sentiments about the school and vision for the future.

“The ceremonies today represent our collective commitment to one another and co-authoring another chapter in the inspiring story of Briar Cliff University,” said Dr. Draud. “I stand before you today with profound gratitude, humility and a servant heart.”

He stressed the fact that he wanted the celebration to be focused on Briar Cliff’s past, present and future rather than himself.

The BCU president told the story of how in March of 1929 Mother Mary Weineke, major superior of the Sisters of St. Francis in Dubuque, met with Bishop Edmond Heelan and other community leaders about starting a Catholic university. The consensus was a go and despite the Great Depression they raised $25,000 and just 18 months later on Sept. 22, 1930, classes began with 25 women enrolled.

 “As we approach our centennial in 2030, we find ourselves in a pivotal moment – the landscape of higher education is evolving rapidly – it’s probably evolving as I make this speech, presenting a plethora of challenges and I think also a bunch of opportunities,” said Dr. Draud.

He added he was optimistic that the “same Franciscan spirit that guided our founders will continue to inspire us to be resilient, resourceful and steadfast in our mission.”

The university, the president stressed, could not be defined by a spreadsheet but rather by the people, those represented at the ceremony.

Among those gathered for the inauguration were faculty, staff, students, Franciscan sisters, Bishop Walker Nickless, past BCU presidents Bev Wharton and Rachelle Keck, benefactors, alumni and community leaders. Dr. Draud was also joined by his wife, Michelle and children Travis and Savannah along with his siblings.

Dr. Draud addresses the crowd as his inauguration ceremony.

Click here for PHOTO GALLERYDr. Draud, who was named president on June 11 and began the position on July 1, 2024, mentioned that while he has only been a part “of this great community” for eight months, he has developed a fierce pride and reverence for Briar Cliff. 

“I’ve been repeatedly inspired by the good and caring work of our faculty and staff, both within and beyond the confines of the classroom,” he said, noting that he has had good conversations with students and walked away impressed with the genuine intellectual curiosity of students. “You have created a caring community where reasonable people can disagree and learn from one another.” 

He told the students that he understood the sacrifices that they and their families made to attend the university. Dr. Draud said he would not take their trust lightly and would seek ways to ensure that when they left the university they were not only prepared for a career “but for a life of purpose and impact.”

To the faculty and staff, he wanted them to know that their voices would be heard, their ideas valued and efforts recognized.

 Dr. Draud told the Sisters of St. Francis that he was committed to upholding their principles and ideals. 

“To Bishop Nickless and the Catholic Church, I commit to embracing the Catholic faith both personally and as the leader of this institution. I commit to ensuring that Briar Cliff proudly communicates our Catholic heritage and identity to all and that we forever walk the walk,” he said.

To alumni, donors and community partners, he asked for their support and collaboration in writing the next chapter of the university.

Supportive remarks
In opening remarks by Stephen Stouffer, chair of the board of trustees for the university, he also spoke of the university’s history and its origins tied to Catholic Franciscan values that are at the core of the school.

“Dr. Draud has affirmed his desire to lead with an emphasis on these values with dedication to open communication, transparency and collaboration as we move forward,” said Stouffer. “These are extremely important as together we are all tasked to navigate through the challenges of changes are required in this difficult and unique academic environment of today.”

With God’s help, the board chair, said he believes Dr. Draud will succeed fully in this endeavor.  

A series of tribute remarks and pledges of support followed by various representatives – Catholic leaders, faculty, staff, student, former colleagues of Dr. Draud and even the mayor.

Sister Kathy Knipper, president of the Sisters of St. Francis of Dubuque, pledged the support of the sisters – the foundresses of the university - as Dr. Draud leads “this very special Catholic Franciscan learning place into the future.”

Bishop Walker Nickless, who noted he is now the apostolic administrator of the diocese as his retirement nears upon the ordination of the new bishop on May 1, mentioned the university’s mission was to proclaim, celebrate and teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

“As a Catholic Franciscan institution, we witness Briar Cliff’s role in upholding these teachings and educating servant leaders,” he said. “We seek to love and serve those around us and promise a steadfast witness to God’s divine plan for all of us. As members of the Catholic Church here in northwest Iowa, we pledge our support to Dr. Draud as he guides the institution and supports the faith of those within the Briar Cliff University community and beyond.”

Sarah Glover, president of the BCU student government, represented the 1,000 students at the university. Since Dr. Draud’s arrival on campus, she said he has exemplified excellent leadership.

“His passion for advancing Briar Cliff’s mission and his dedication to developing future leaders is truly inspiring,” she said, adding that his approachability and presence on campus has made an impact. “If the past few months are any indication, Briar Cliff is poised for continuous success in the future.”

Installation
After the tribute remarks, the installation of the new president and oath of office was led by Stouffer, with Bishop Nickless and Sister Kathy.

Stouffer called Dr. Draud forward to attest to the new president’s commitment to the university’s mission “as a community committed to higher education within a liberal arts and Catholic perspective in the Franciscan tradition of service, caring and openness to all.”
Bishop Nickless asked the new president about his resolve to recognize and promote the Catholic identity. He also asked Dr. Draud if he promised in “words and actions” to maintain communion with the Catholic Church.

In the community with the Franciscan tradition, Sister Kathy asked the new president if he would encourage the Franciscan values of service, reverence with creation, simplicity and peace.  

Upon Dr. Draud affirming his commitment to these areas and others, he was presented with the presidential medallion that signifies the office of president. He was also presented with the university mace, which is carried to lead academic processions and represents the university’s governing authority.

Bishop Nickless offered the final blessing, asking God to bless Dr. Draud “with your spirit of counsel and fortitude. Through the intercession of Sts. Francis and Clare, may he lead Briar Cliff University with wisdom, virtue and find in his work happiness and success.”Prior to the installation ceremony, Bishop Nickless presided at an inauguration Mass celebrated in Briar Cliff’s Our Lady of Grace Chapel.