Fr. David Couturier, O.F.M. Cap., director of the Franciscan Institute at St. Bonaventure University, has been elected vice chairman of the Board of Trustees at Viterbo University and will serve on the university’s executive committee. The election was held Oct. 13 during the board’s fall meeting.

In nominating Fr. David, John McHugh, chairman of the board, praised his Franciscan values, expertise in mission, and keen understanding of the challenges facing Catholic higher education in today’s complex world.

In accepting his election, Fr. David expressed his gratitude for the board’s confidence in him.

“Viterbo has a long legacy of committed service to the people of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and the greater Midwest,” said Fr. David. “The legacy of the Franciscan sisters is deep, and the Franciscan values of faculty, staff and leadership here are strong. It is a great honor to serve with my colleagues on the board and work with them, Chair John McHugh and University President Rick Trietley.”

Viterbo, located in La Crosse, Wisconsin, is one of the 23 Franciscan colleges and universities in the United States. Founded in 1890 by the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, the university’s mission is “to prepare students for faithful service and ethical leadership.”

Fr. David will continue in his roles as director of the Franciscan Institute, publisher of Franciscan Institute Publications, and associate professor of Theology and Franciscan Studies at St. Bonaventure University.

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About the University: The nation’s first Franciscan university, St. Bonaventure is a community committed to transforming the lives of its students inside and outside the classroom, inspiring in them a commitment to academic excellence and lifelong civic engagement. Out of 167 regional universities in the North, St. Bonaventure was ranked #8 for value and #19 overall by U.S. News and World Report (2025).