Holy Family University New President Doesn’t Yet Seek a Merger ‘Dance Partner,’ But She’d Consider One

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Anne Prisco, new president of Holy Family University, near Bensalem
Image via Michael Branscom at the Philadelphia Business Journal.
Dr. Anne Prisco, new president of Holy Family University, near Bensalem.
Holy Family University, near Bensalem, Bucks County
Image via Holy Family University at YouTube.

Anne Prisco — the first nonclergy president of Holy Family University (near Bensalem) — arrived with an open mind regarding tactics for keeping the school’s finances healthy. Her tenure could bring significant changes to the 67-year-old institution, explains Kennedy Rose in the Philadelphia Business Journal.

Prisco took over amid a rough financial patch for colleges and universities nationwide. Economics have been shaky for years, attributable to factors that include rising operational costs and dropping enrollments.

Then, the COVID-19 pandemic tipped over schools’ tenuous balance sheets from coast to coast.

Local responses from the academic community have included shoring up collegiate finances through consolidations or partnerships with other universities, an idea Prisco is open to.

“We would have blinders on if we weren’t thinking about that,” she said.

Prisco commits to working with her campus leadership team and the university board to consider appropriate “dance partners.” She explained her stance succinctly: “We’d certainly rather see that than schools having to close up shop.”

Prisco is excited for this next chapter of her career and the future of Holy Family University.

Being at a smaller, Catholic institution like Holy Family is special, she said. Prisco values developing individual relationships. The smaller class sizes and student-to-faculty ratio create an intimacy of support on campus.

“I’m excited, and I feel in so many ways that I really am in a very familiar setting,” Prisco said.

More on Holy Family University’s future is at the Philadelphia Business Journal.

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