Meet the Dean | College of Professional Studies

A Message from Dean Rev. David Cregan, OSA, PhD

As the Dean of the College of Professional Studies (CPS), I am proud to lead a college that is rooted in the Augustinian mission and values of Villanova University. Villanova seeks to provide a transformative educational experience to each student. The work being done in CPS allows a wider, more diverse group of students access to higher learning.

Every CPS student, whether they are on the path to a degree, in search of professional education or embracing lifelong learning, receives the care and support to help reach their educational goals. In doing so, we hope that our students not only learn their assigned curriculum but grow as a person and prepare themselves to make a positive impact on our world.

Saint Augustine implores us to “become what you are not yet.” CPS seeks to assist you in that process, with open arms and kind hearts.

Sincerely,

The Rev. David Cregan, OSA, PhD

Dean, College of Professional Studies

About Father David

Rev. David Cregan, OSA, PhD was appointed Dean of Villanova University’s College of Professional Studies in August 2025. He previously served as associate dean of Academic Affairs and Strategic Initiatives for the College of Professional Studies and has been a member of the faculty at Villanova since 2004.

As associate dean, Father Cregan served as a member of the Dean’s Senior Leadership Team and oversaw key strategic initiatives for curriculum and faculty in the college. His responsibilities included leading the College’s Curriculum Committee; designing and implementing the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree; and providing college leadership for faculty affairs, such as faculty hiring and evaluation processes.

In the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Father Cregan previously served as chair of the Department of Theatre and Studio Art, where he also acted as artistic director of Villanova Theatre. He holds the rank of associate professor in Theatre, teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. His scholarly expertise encompasses theatre and Irish studies. Father Cregan has taught across many departments and programs at Villanova, including Global and Interdisciplinary Studies, Honors, Gender and Women Studies, and Augustine and Culture Seminar Program. Additionally, he teaches for the Villanova Program at SCI Phoenix.

His academic publications include numerous articles and book chapters on Irish theatre and performance. Prior to returning to Villanova in 2004, Father Cregan pursued a professional theatre career, performing in New York, regional productions in the U.S., and three tours in the U.S. and Europe.

Father Cregan earned a BA in Theatre from Villanova University, a Master of Divinity from Washington Theological Union, an MA in Irish Studies from The Catholic University of America, and an MPhil. in Irish Theatre and Film and PhD in Dramatic Literature from the Samuel Beckett School of Drama at Trinity College, Dublin.