Dr. Brian Schmisek was named the founding dean of the School of Ministry in October 2007. Schmisek had been the director of the School of Ministry (formerly the Institute of Religious and Pastoral Studies) for the past five years. The Institute was renamed the School of Ministry in April 2007 to reflect its important position at the University, its growing national reputation and its expanded areas of service in meeting the theological education needs of the Catholic church.

The School of Ministry is one of the fastest-growing graduate schools in its field in the United States. Under Schmisek's leadership as director, enrollment in the School's five master's degree programs has increased from 26 students in 2002 to 130 students in 2007. Enrollment in its Catholic Biblical School certificate program has increased from 70 students in 2002 to more than 620 in 2007, making it the largest program of its kind among all Catholic universities in the United States, based on 2007 enrollment numbers. Additionally, more than 130 students are enrolled in its deacon and faith formation programs. Enrollment in all School of Ministry programs is projected to double to more than 1,600 in the next four years.

In his role as dean, Schmisek will continue to work toward international recognition of the School of Ministry as a premier institution for those seeking theological studies, faith formation, pastoral skills and spiritual growth.

Schmisek earned the doctorate in biblical studies from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. He also holds master's degrees in classics from The University of Mississippi, and theology from The Catholic University of America. In addition to his teaching role at the School of Ministry, he has provided overall leadership for the faculty and staff for the last five years. He has extensive administrative experience with Church dioceses, having served as the director of the Greco Institute for the Diocese of Shreveport, La., and as the pastoral assistant at Christ the King Parish in Evergreen, Colo. Schmisek also leads the School of Ministry's annual Summer in Rome program.