Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D. serves as the 16th President of Assumption University (formerly College) in Worcester, Massachusetts. He graduated from Cathedral College of the Immaculate Conception and earned a master’s degree and doctorate from Fordham University. A Fulbright Scholar who studied at the University of Rome and the Pontifical Gregorian University, he has written two books and a number of scholarly articles on Catholic Reformation, 15th and 16th century Roman history and the Renaissance Papacy.

He was appointed to the John J. and Mary Jane Breen Chair in Catholic Studies at John Carroll University where he was the founding director of the Institute of Catholic Studies (1997-2004) while serving as professor of history (1989-2004). Following John Carroll, Dr. Cesareo served as Dean of the McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts at Duquesne University (2004-2007).

Since his inauguration as President of Assumption in February 2007, Dr. Cesareo has demonstrated creative and innovative leadership resulting in new academic programs such as SOPHIA (the Sophomore Initiative at Assumption), actuarial science, criminology, data analytics, education, health sciences and sports management. He has established articulation agreements with national universities such as the University of Notre Dame and the University of St. Thomas School of Law where Assumption students can earn a bachelors and law degree in only six years with guaranteed law school scholarships.

The Princeton Review has recognized Assumption as one of the nation’s “Best 385 Colleges” as well as one of its “Best Northeastern” colleges. U.S. News and World Report has repeatedly ranked Assumption in the top half of regional universities in the north that offer bachelors and master’s degrees.

Realizing an ambitious vision of Dr. Cesareo to provide students a unique opportunity to embark upon a personally and academically transformative experience, in spring 2013 the University opened a campus in Rome, Italy located in an authentic “Roman” neighborhood. Within two years of welcoming its first class, the Rome Campus was ranked one of the 10 "best study abroad programs in America” by the independent college rankings journal Best College Reviews.

Recognizing the importance of creating an institution of higher learning that can adapt to fluctuating demands of the nation’s workforce, while maintaining a Catholic and liberal arts identity, Dr. Cesareo has established himself as an effective advocate for the institution, raising millions in donations for Assumption, which includes funding for the new Tsotsis Family Academic Center and full funding of the Tinsley Campus Ministry Center, a long-awaited addition to the spiritual life of the campus.  

In October 2018, Dr. Cesareo announced a one-of-its-kind partnership with the Worcester Red Sox. The partnership enables the baseball team to utilize the intellectual capital of the University and provides students guaranteed internship opportunities. In addition, co-branded scholarships will be made available for Assumption students from the city with financial need.

A first-generation college student, his parents emigrated from Italy. In 2015, the Italian Heritage Month Committee awarded Dr. Cesareo the Leadership in Education Award for his efforts to serve as a strong cultural ambassador for Italy and passing on the Italian culture and language to future generations.

Dr. Cesareo is the Board President of the Sr. Thea Bowman Black Catholic Educational Foundation and former Chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' National Review Board, a position to which he was appointed by Cardinal Timothy Dolan. The recipient of the prestigious Fr. d’Alzon Medal, Dr. Cesareo was recognized as an individual whose faith and energy give witness to the validity and priority of spiritual values in an increasingly secular world and who courageously brings to bear in his daily life the life-giving message of Christ.

Demonstrating a personal and institutional commitment to sharing his expertise with other reputable organizations, Dr. Cesareo is a past or present board member of the Adopt-a-Student Program in the Diocese of Worcester, the St. Bernadette School Advisory Board and Board of Visitors of Worcester Academy.