Indiana State University alumna Sister Maria Gemma Salyer, OSF, was inaugurated today, September 3, 2026, as the 12th president of the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne.
Sister Maria Gemma, who earned her doctorate in Educational Administration – Higher Education Leadership from Indiana State University, began serving as president of Saint Francis on July 1. Her appointment by the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration marks a return to the university's traditional leadership model, with a member of the religious congregation serving as president.
“Sister Maria Gemma's appointment is a wonderful reflection of the impact Indiana State graduates are making as educational leaders in Indiana and beyond,” said Carrie Ball, interim dean of Indiana State's Bayh College of Education. “We are proud that her educational journey includes Indiana State and look forward to seeing the leadership, service and commitment to students she will bring to this important role.”
Before becoming president, Sister Maria Gemma served as executive vice president at Saint Francis. Her previous leadership and educational experience includes roles in campus ministry at Saint Francis, women's ministry at the University of Notre Dame, assistant director of vocations for the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration, and educator and assistant campus minister at Lafayette Central Catholic High School.
In addition to her doctorate from Indiana State, Sister Maria Gemma holds a master's degree in philosophy from Franciscan University of Steubenville and a bachelor's degree in theology from Ohio Dominican University.
Her inauguration as Saint Francis' 12th president represents another milestone in a career centered on education, faith, leadership and service.