From extraordinary generosity and academic distinction to responsible stewardship and renewed momentum, the 2025–26 academic year demonstrated the enduring strength of the University of Dallas and its mission.
IRVING, Texas (July 13, 2026) — The 2025–26 academic year brought significant change to the University of Dallas while also marking important achievements in philanthropy, academics, student success and institutional leadership.
“This was a year that revealed the character of the University of Dallas,” said President Jonathan J. Sanford, PhD. “We met significant challenges with courage, generosity and resolve, and in doing so strengthened the university we love.”
We Are Loved
Alumni, parents, friends and supporters from across the country demonstrated remarkable confidence in the university’s mission during the past year, contributing more than $20 million in philanthropic support, including a record-setting Cor Challenge that raised more than $450,000.
These gifts support scholarships, academic programs, faculty excellence, student formation and strategic priorities at both the Irving and Rome campuses.
“This extraordinary generosity reflects a deep belief in the mission of the University of Dallas,” Sanford said. “We are profoundly grateful to all who have chosen to invest in our students and our future.”
Stewardship for the Future
Throughout the year, the university implemented significant operational adjustments
designed to strengthen its long-term financial position and ensure the sustainability
of its mission.
Important leadership transitions also took place. Dr. Gregory Roper was appointed
Dean of Constantin College of Liberal Arts, bringing decades of experience as a professor,
administrator and alumnus. Clint Rain joined UD as Chief Financial Officer, contributing
extensive expertise in financial planning, reporting and operational strategy.
The university also expressed gratitude to five members of the Board of Trustees whose terms concluded this year while welcoming new trustees Joshua Becker, BA ’10, and Myles Harrington, who will help guide the institution into its next chapter.
Excellence in the Classroom and Beyond
Faculty and students continued to distinguish themselves through scholarship, research
and academic achievement.
More than 30 faculty members produced significant scholarly and creative work during
the academic year, including 10 books and edited volumes, nearly 20 book chapters,
more than a dozen journal articles and numerous presentations, fellowships, awards
and exhibitions.
Two students were named Goldwater Scholars, one of the nation's most prestigious undergraduate awards in the sciences and mathematics. Eight chemistry students presented their research at the national meeting of the American Chemical Society, demonstrating the university's longstanding commitment to undergraduate research and experiential learning.
The Cor Chronicle was ranked No. 17 among college newspapers nationwide by The Princeton
Review.
The university also continued to achieve exceptional outcomes for students pursuing
professional education, including a 100% medical school acceptance rate among applicants
during the 2025–26 cycle.
Distinctive Programs, Enduring Mission
His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan delivered the commencement address to the Class
of 2026, celebrating graduates who join generations of alumni serving the Church,
their professions and their communities.
UD also launched its America 250 initiative, bringing faculty expertise to broader
audiences through lectures, videos and discussions exploring the nation's history,
founding principles and civic traditions.
At the Eugene Constantin Campus in Rome, investments continued to enhance the student
experience, including the installation of air conditioning in all student residences.
The Braniff Graduate School launched new initiatives examining the relationship between
science, ethics and healthcare, while the Classics Department received national recognition
at the Classical Association of the Middle West and South conference.
National Recognition
The University continued to receive recognition for its academic excellence and distinctive
educational mission.
The Core Curriculum earned the highest rating from the American Council of Trustees
and Alumni for the 15th consecutive year, placing UD among fewer than 1% of institutions
nationwide to receive the organization's top designation.
The University became the first institution in the nation to grant academic credit for the Classical Baccalaureate, a rigorous alternative to Advanced Placement that reflects its longstanding commitment to classical liberal arts education.
The Doctor of Business Administration program in the Satish & Yasmin Gupta College of Business was recognized by CEO Magazine among the world's leading DBA programs for the 10th consecutive year.
The university was also ranked No. 2 among Best Value Regional Universities by U.S. News & World Report and again recognized among the nation's best colleges by The Princeton Review and Money.
Looking Ahead
As a new academic year begins, UD remains focused on strengthening academic programs, supporting students and investing in faculty excellence, all in service of its Catholic mission.
“The University of Dallas enters this new year with confidence because we know who we are and what we are called to do,” Sanford said. “Together, we will continue forming leading citizens, strengthening our academic community and serving the Church and country with confidence and purpose.”
About the University of Dallas
The University of Dallas is the premier Catholic liberal arts university in the nation, recommended by the Cardinal Newman Society for its rigorous Core Curriculum and vibrant intellectual and spiritual life. With campuses in Texas and Italy, UD forms students intellectually, socially and spiritually for a life well-lived through undergraduate, graduate liberal arts, graduate business programs and professional programs in the humanities, ministry and classical education. Learn more or apply at udallas.edu.
Media Contact:
Lin Wang
Director of Storytelling
University of Dallas
lwang@udallas.edu
