HAMBURG, N.Y. – Jeffrey M. Papia has been appointed Vice President for Mission Integration and Campus Ministry at Hilbert College, President Michael S. Brophy, Ph.D. announced today. Papia returns to the College where he previously served as Director of Mission Integration and Campus Ministry from 2015 to 2019.  He will be a member of the college’s senior leadership team and will be responsible for developing a deepened awareness of Hilbert’s Catholic Franciscan mission and ensuring its implementation and integration into the decisions, policies, procedures, programs, and activities of the College.  The appointment will be effective on August 10, 2020.

“Jeff has a significant background in campus ministry, mission integration, and theological studies.  I am confident that he will bring a thoughtful, spiritual, and welcoming approach to Hilbert as he returns to lead our mission integration and campus ministry efforts,” Dr. Brophy said.  “We know he is well-suited to serve the liturgical, pastoral, and spiritual needs of the college community, particularly our students including those from all faith traditions.”

For the last year and a half, Papia has served as the Chief Mission Officer at D’Youville College, where he worked to promote and integrate the mission across the college community. Prior to D’Youville was his first stint at Hilbert.

Prior to Hilbert, Papia spent three and half years at St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute, where he served as a religion teacher and helped develop extracurricular activities pertaining to mission and ministry.  Papia also served as a peer minister at Boston College Campus Ministry and the Office of Residential Life.

“I am very excited to be returning to Hilbert College,” Papia said.  “Hilbert’s mission and values are near to my heart.  I look forward to playing a vital role in upholding the college’s Catholic Franciscan-based mission, vision, and values.”

Papia received his bachelor’s degree from Holy Cross and his master’s in theological studies from the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry.  He also earned a Master of Business Administration from St. Bonaventure University.  Papia and his wife, Maria, reside in Williamsville with their twin sons, Joseph and Francis.

Hilbert College, located in suburban Hamburg, N.Y., south of Buffalo, is a private four-year college founded in 1957 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition. With nearly 800 students, Hilbert is a dynamic Western New York college that offers career-focused majors, including one of the top criminal justice programs in the region, and more than 50 minors and concentrations. The college’s engaging, student-centered campus community offers numerous leadership, internship, and service learning opportunities from which students launch successful careers while making positive changes in their communities. The Hilbert Blueprint promotes a well-rounded student experience over four years – starting with the Foundations Seminar in the freshman year, followed by Sophomore Service, Junior Symposium, and culminating with the Senior Capstone. Hilbert has expanded its academic offerings with the college’s first graduate programs in criminal justice administration and public administration, including a track in health administration.