José Padilla announced his decision to retire as president of Valparaiso University, effective Dec. 31, 2025.
Padilla has served as the university’s president for the past five years. His current contract expires at the end of the year.
“It has been an honor to lead Valparaiso University, and build on its long, excellent legacy – and I am fully committed to continuing this work to provide our students with the best possible experience throughout the end of my term,” Padilla said in a press release.
The board of directors will launch a search committee to find the university’s 20th president. The committee will include representatives from the board, faculty and community. A third-party search firm will support the process. The search is anticipated to kick off April 2025.
“The board of directors is grateful for José's service and commitment to Valparaiso University,” Robert Hansen, board chairman, said. “His contributions to Valpo are numerous and will be enduring.”
During his term, Padilla guided the university through the COVID-19 pandemic. He worked to ensure the safety and health of students, faculty and staff, while keeping the university open for learning. Padilla was instrumental in crafting the university’s five-year strategic plan Uplift Valpo: Our Beacon for the Journey Forward.
Over the next year, Padilla will continue to advance the plan. He will also oversee the teach outs for discontinued programs, which will conclude in the 2026-27 academic year.
Robert Hansen, longtime board member and current chair, also announced his plans to retire in December 2025. Hansen served on the board for 18 years.
The board elected Jon Steinbrecher chair-elect, effective immediately. He will begin his term as board chair January 2026. Steinbrecher will play a key role in leading the search for the next president of the university.
“After a long and rewarding career in higher education, it was my vision to enter my retirement at the conclusion of this chapter at Valpo,” Padilla said.
