The Valparaiso University Board of Directors today announced the appointment of Rev. Brian E. Konkol, Ph.D., as the University’s 20th president, effective January 1, 2026. An ordained minister of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and an accomplished senior executive at Syracuse University, Rev. Konkol brings more than two decades of higher education leadership, global experience, and mission-centered vision to the role.
“Rev. Konkol embodies the heart of Valpo through deep Lutheran roots, a passion for students, and a steady commitment to excellence,” said Robert D. Hansen, Chairman of the Valparaiso University Board of Directors. “We are excited to welcome him to our community. His energy, faith, and optimism will serve Valpo well as we move forward together.”
Rev. Konkol currently serves as Vice President, Dean, and Professor at Syracuse University, and is a member of the Chancellor’s Executive Team. During his tenure, he led a transformational strategic plan and oversaw a 933% increase in student participation at Hendricks Chapel, expansion of more than 2,000 annual programs, and the development of a nationally recognized model for spiritual, ethical, and interfaith engagement in higher education. Bolstered by an institutional focus on redefining and enhancing every aspect of the student experience and empowering faculty and research excellence, he also played a key leadership role in Syracuse’s successful $1.5 billion comprehensive campaign, including dramatic growth in annual giving and donor engagement.
As Professor in Syracuse’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Konkol has taught courses on religion, conflict, and collaboration, and is also a Senior Research Associate in the Program for the Advancement of Research on Conflict and Collaboration (PARCC). Konkol also serves as Honorary Professor in the School of Religion, Philosophy and Classics at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, co-founder of the Character Development through Sport Fan Engagement initiative in partnership with the Falk College of Sport, and co-founder and faculty chair of the Fellowship for Emerging Leaders in Ministry through a partnership with Le Moyne College.
“I congratulate Brian Konkol on his appointment as President of Valparaiso University,” says Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud. “Brian has been an exceptional leader at Syracuse University, bringing a deep commitment to student success, interfaith understanding, and academic excellence. He has led dialogue across differences, supported students in moments of joy and challenge, and strengthened the values that define us as an institution. Valparaiso has chosen a leader of great wisdom, compassion, and purpose. We are deeply grateful for Brian’s service to the Orange community and wish him every success in this new chapter.”
Prior to Syracuse, Rev. Konkol served in Lutheran-based institutions around the world—including as Chaplain of Gustavus Adolphus College, Co-Pastor at Lake Edge Lutheran Church, and Pastor and Country Coordinator for the ELCA in Guyana and South Africa, deepening both his global perspective and his commitment to Lutheran higher learning and service.
“Valparaiso University is a blessing to our world, I have long admired its roots and reach, and to be called to serve alongside such a dedicated campus community is a dream come true,” said Rev. Konkol. “I thank God for the students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends who brought us all to this moment. I fully believe our next chapter of life and learning will be fulfilling, and I embrace this opportunity with excitement for our shared future.”
Rev. Konkol will succeed President José Padilla, who announced in January 2025 his intention to retire at the conclusion of his contract on December 31, 2025, after five years of dedicated service to the University.
Valpo’s national presidential search, launched in March, was led by a nine-member committee representing trustees, faculty, staff, alumni, and the broader campus community, with support from the firm Academic Search.
“We are deeply grateful to the members of the search committee and to the many individuals who shared their insights throughout this process,” said Dr. Steinbrecher, Board of Directors Chair-elect and Chair of the Presidential Search Committee. “Their thoughtful engagement led us to a leader whose values, experience, and vision align powerfully with Valparaiso University at this pivotal moment in our history.”
Rev. Dr. Konkol holds a Master of Divinity from Luther Seminary and both a Master of Theology and Doctor of Philosophy from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa.
He has published widely on Lutheran identity, global mission, ethics, and public life, and has been invited to lecture and preach at institutions such as Duke University, Harvard University, Northwestern University, Stanford University, St. George’s Cathedral in Cape Town (South Africa), the United Nations Conference of the Parties, and the Parliament of the World’s Religions.
Rev. Konkol is married to Dr. Kristen Konkol, Associate Teaching Professor and Undergraduate Director of Exercise Science at the David B. Falk College of Sport at Syracuse University. They are parents of two children, Khaya and Tobi.
