Valparaiso University

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Valparaiso University Announces Rev. Brian E. Konkol, Ph.D., as 20th President Following National Search

Valparaiso University is proud to welcome Rev. Brian E. Konkol, Ph.D., as our 20th president. With more than two decades of combined experience in higher education leadership, global service, and mission-centered work, he brings a Lutheran-rooted vision and a strong record of advancing student engagement, academic excellence, and strategic growth.

We are grateful for President José Padilla, J.D., whose leadership has prepared Valpo for this moment. We look forward to the insight and care Rev. Konkol will bring as he joins the Valpo family.

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Grounded in Service,
We Radiate Leadership.

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Learn

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Academic Programs

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Christ College – Honors College

Graduate Studies

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Institutional Research

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Valpo’s Learning Centers

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Leadership and Governance

Calling & Spiritual Life

Serve

Spiritual Life

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Uplift Valpo

Community

Institute for Leadership and Service

Christian Leadership and Formation

Lead

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Career and Alumni Network

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Awards and Rankings

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Faculty Excellence

Alumni Success

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Corporate and Employer Relations

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Valpo’s Lutheran Centennial Celebration

Thrive

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Student Life

Counseling Center

Campus Events

Student Resources

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Multicultural Programs

Alumni Success

Bach Institute

Career and Alumni Network

Explore Admission

Discover Your Bright Future.

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Don’t Just Shine Anywhere

Radiate Everywhere

Top 18 Things
to Know About Valpo

100%

of classes are led by faculty, not teaching assistants (TAs)

Average Class Size

Graduate-Level Offerings

140+

Majors and Minors

3.68

Average Freshman GPA

25+

Study Abroad Programs

National Sorority and Fraternity Chapters

100+

Annual Arts Performances

Division I Sports Teams

300+

Acres of Campus

100+

Student Organizations and Clubs

65,000+

Global Alumni Network

11:1

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

10%

higher 4-year graduation rate average than the national average (58.5% at Valpo, 49.1% nationally)

$15,000

higher median starting salary than the national average ($60,000 at Valpo, $45,000 nationally)

Premier-Level Club Sports

28%

of students participate in fraternity or sorority chapters

Countries Represented by Students

You’re Ready. We’ll Help You Get There.

Let Your Future Shine: Affordable Access, Generous Support, Boundless Impact.

Scholarships & Aid

Shining Brightly, Together

Voices of Valpo

Recognized for Excellence: How Valparaiso University is Getting National Attention

“Valpo’s exercise science program has prepared me well for my future as an aspiring physical therapist. The classes align perfectly with what graduate schools require, and the hands-on experiences, like my internship, have been invaluable. The professors here genuinely care, and that has made all the difference in my journey.”

— Sara Strauss ’25

Exercise Science

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Recognized for Excellence: How Valparaiso University is Getting National Attention

“Valpo’s history program has supplied me with opportunities to engage in thoughtful discussions, explore global perspectives, and enhance my research and writing skills, culminating in a capstone project eligible for undergraduate journals… This program has equipped me with the expertise and contextual knowledge to thrive in a diverse, globalized world.”

— Roman Van Meter ’26

History

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Recognized for Excellence: How Valparaiso University is Getting National Attention

“My time in the mathematics program at Valpo has really been defined by the expertise I’ve been able to work under. Valpo has some well-learned and interesting professors, and their willingness to take on things such as research projects has positively impacted my experience at Valpo.”

— Matthew Landrum ’27

Mathematics

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Recognized for Excellence: How Valparaiso University is Getting National Attention

“Being a part of the environmental engineering program here at Valpo has been a fulfilling and rewarding experience for me. I feel that the small niche learning environment was perfect for me to build strong relationships with my peers and be able to work closely with professors.”

— Dana Fish ’25

Environmental Engineering

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Recognized for Excellence: How Valparaiso University is Getting National Attention

“The PA program is overall such a great community! Every professor and student in the program is willing to help you improve as a student, making this whole experience such an enjoyable time. Going through the program together [as a cohort] as well as being with each other every day really makes us just a big family.”

— Reeya Brahmbhatt ’23, ’25 MSPA

Physician Assistant Studies

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Recognized for Excellence: How Valparaiso University is Getting National Attention

“Valpo’s master of business administration (MBA) program was not only designed for undergraduate business majors, but also for anyone – even if they didn’t have an undergraduate background in business… It is designed for students who have questions.”

— Mark Lamotte ’25 MBA

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Virginia Leahy, a smiling woman with bright red hair, holds a bassoon while standing indoors against a vibrant red background.

Recognized for Excellence: How Valparaiso University is Getting National Attention

“Valpo’s music therapy program was a major game-changer for me. With Valpo being the closest university to Chicago offering a music therapy [program], I was offered many incredible opportunities in the Chicagoland area that would have not been feasible otherwise.”

— Virginia Leahy ’24

Music Therapy

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Recognized for Excellence: How Valparaiso University is Getting National Attention

“In the chemistry program at Valpo, I have had the amazing privilege of working with Professor Julie Peller, Ph.D., to conduct air quality research. My undergraduate research experience has been one of my favorite parts of studying at Valpo, and it has given me so much insight into real world applications of science that I am extremely passionate about.”

— Emily Broniewicz ’26

Chemistry

News & Stories

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Two women use medical electrodes on an arm in a classroom at Valparaiso University while others talk and write on a whiteboard in the background.

Valparaiso University Occupational Therapy Program Receives Accreditation

The Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program at Valparaiso University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions (CoNHP) has received official seven years of accreditation through the Accreditation Council for Occupational […]

A teacher stands and speaks to non-traditional students seated in a classroom with laptops and notebooks, furthering education at Valparaiso University.

Valparaiso University Opens the Doors to Furthering Education for Non-Traditional Students

Valparaiso University is dedicated to expanding access to higher education and helping non-traditional students achieve their academic and professional goals. For Jeanine Patrick ’26, a student in the College of […]

A man gives a presentation in a classroom at Valparaiso University, standing between two colorful banners about Designing TTRPGs.

Valparaiso University Professor Releases Designing TTRPGs for Dummies

Martin Buinicki, Ph.D., Professor of English and Richard P. Baepler Distinguished Professor in the Humanities, has released a new book, “Designing TTRPGs for Dummies”, through Wiley’s long-running “for Dummies” series. […]

A student and career advisor sit at a Valparaiso University Career Center table discussing college major choices.

5 Ways to Research Job Market Trends When Choosing Your College Major

Choosing a college major is a big life decision, and it’s normal to feel unsure about which direction to take. You want to study something you enjoy, but you may […]

A Beacon’s Reflection | Matthew Robinson ’26 MBA, RN

My journey to Valparaiso University has been shaped by service, leadership, and a desire to make a lasting impact within healthcare. I began my academic path at Western Michigan University, […]

Presidential Search

Valparaiso University has launched the search for its 20th president — a visionary and mission-driven leader to guide the institution into its next era of academic excellence, faithful service, and transformative impact.

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