Rob Vischer has taken the helm of the University of St. Thomas as its president, spearheading significant growth and transformation at Minnesota’s largest private university. Under his leadership, St. Thomas welcomed its largest freshman class in history this fall, with1,677 students enrolling, contributing to a total enrollment of 9,876 students. This marks a 4.6% increase from the previous year.
Vischer, a Harvard Law School graduate, transitioned to St. Thomas in 2005 after a successful career at the prestigious law firm Kirkland & Ellis. He and his wife, Maureen, both Midwest natives, sought to raise their family in the Twin Cities. Two decades later, Vischer’s vision for the university is becoming evident as St. Thomas embarks on an ambitious trajectory.
Record Enrollment and New Facilities
The university’s recent successes include raising over $100 million from donors for the fourth consecutive year. In October 2025, St. Thomas celebrated the opening of a new $183.4 million arena in St. Paul, marking a significant milestone in its transition from NCAA Division III to Division I athletics. Vischer emphasizes the importance of not only academic excellence but also adaptability in a rapidly changing workforce landscape.
“High-achieving students are often focused on their next accomplishment or resume line,” Vischer notes. “I want them to reflect on their personal growth and character development.” His approach encourages students to consider not just their career paths but also their identities and contributions as community leaders.
Pat Ryan, chairman of Ryan Companies, highlights Vischer’s leadership skills, stating that he helps students understand the importance of being compassionate and active members of society. “We’re teaching the whole person,” Ryan asserts, stressing the mission of St. Thomas to integrate Catholic social teachings into its academic framework.
A Path to Division I and Beyond
The transition to Division I athletics is more than just a change in competition level for St. Thomas. It offers the university a broader national presence, which is crucial as the institution competes for students in a shrinking pool of high school graduates. “Higher education is now entering a winner-takes-most market,” Vischer explains. “We’re in a sweet spot in the market.”
As the university grows, Vischer is committed to maintaining the small class sizes and strong faculty-student ratio that attract students seeking personalized educational experiences. “We don’t want to get smaller, as there is a scope and scale that is attractive to prospective students,” he adds.
The recent opening of the Schoenecker Center for STEAM programs, built for $110 million, aligns with this commitment. The modern facility houses academic programs in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, enhancing St. Thomas’s reputation as a hub for innovative education.
As Vischer reflects on his presidency, he acknowledges the importance of fostering a culture of encounter on campus, emphasizing genuine connections among students and faculty. This philosophy aims to address issues such as loneliness among young people, creating a supportive environment where all individuals feel valued.
Vischer’s journey to the presidency was marked by a focus on enhancing student job readiness, which he prioritised during his time as dean of the law school. “Five years after graduation, our alumni have the highest average salaries of any college or university in Minnesota,” he states proudly.
With a proactive approach to leadership, Vischer has engaged with various stakeholders, from students to donors, fostering relationships that will aid in the university’s continued growth. As he leads the University of St. Thomas into a new chapter, his vision remains clear: to prepare students not only for successful careers but also for meaningful lives within their communities.
