Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University begins the fall 2025 semester by welcoming more than 350 new students, including its largest-ever group of first-time freshmen for the second year in a row.
With 98% of new students hailing from Louisiana, the university continues to serve as a formation ground for those committed to making a difference close to home. This local focus is reflected not only in student demographics, but also in the university’s long-standing alignment with regional healthcare, education and ministry needs.
The continued growth reflects the momentum of a mission-driven university preparing students not just for careers, but for lives of purpose and service.
“Our new students are entering a community where faith, learning and service are woven together,” said Dr. David Bellar, president and CEO of FranU. “They come here not just to gain knowledge, but to be formed, so they can flourish as professionals and as people called to serve.”
FranU continues to see strong growth across several academic programs. Interest in the Radiologic Technology program has quadrupled over the last three years, making it one of the fastest-growing areas of study. Enrollment is also rising in the Biology Pre-Professional tracks and the Master of Healthcare Administration program. This fall, FranU’s Theology program begins a new chapter by enrolling its first cohort of propaedeutic seminarians as part of a seminary formation partnership with the Diocese of Baton Rouge. Through this collaboration, FranU supports seminarians’ intellectual and spiritual development at the Blessed Stanley Rother House of Formation.
Meanwhile, multiple FranU program cohorts continue to achieve 100% licensure exam pass rates and 100% employment rates, entering the workforce prepared to serve with skill, empathy and integrity.
“At FranU, students thrive when they are driven by a deeper calling, those who see education and service as more than a career path,” said Martin Aucoin, vice president for enrollment management. “We’re honored to accompany them as they prepare to meet the needs of our local communities with compassion and excellence.”
As the semester begins, renovations continue in the Health Professions Building, further enhancing instructional spaces that support hands-on learning across disciplines. Students also now have access to two newly added one-button recording studios in St. Francis Hall, designed for simplified, high-quality video production to support presentations, practice and digital learning.
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