About Gannon

Our Mission

Gannon is a Catholic, Diocesan university dedicated to excellence in teaching, scholarship and service. Our faculty and staff prepare students to be global citizens through programs grounded in the liberal arts and sciences and professional specializations. Inspired by the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, we offer a comprehensive, values-centered learning experience that emphasizes faith, leadership, inclusiveness and social responsibility.

History of Gannon

Gannon University is dedicated to excellence in holistic education. In 1933, Archbishop John Mark Gannon established Cathedral College, a two-year institution for men, which by 1941 had evolved into a four-year college, the Gannon School of Arts and Sciences. The name Gannon College was adopted in 1944, and Gannon achieved university status in 1979. Then, in 1989, the delivery of higher education was further enhanced as Villa Maria College, founded in 1925, became part of the University community. In 2015, the university once again made history by opening doors to their first expansion campus in Ruskin, Florida. The Ruskin, FL campus hosts graduate health professional programs.

Today, Gannon University is a co-educational institution with 1,300 graduate students among a total student body of 4,400 enrolled full and part-time in a variety of graduate, undergraduate and associate degree programs.

Key to Gannon’s Mission is the personal and professional development of its students. A range of campus organizations and activities enhance academic interests, as well as foster leadership, volunteer-ism, and community service. The University community provides numerous opportunities for intellectual, moral, and spiritual growth.

Gannon Tradition

We pride ourselves on the professional accomplishments of our 10,214 master’s and 415 doctoral degree alumni, included among them are presidents of over 70 organizations and vice presidents, controllers, executive directors, officers, principals, superintendents, and upper-level managers in over 350 organizations worldwide. Many of our graduate school alumni have received the Ph.D. degree. Our location provides support to the regional professional communities and a significant source of hands-on experience for graduate studies. Over the years, Gannon students have had many enriching opportunities to do projects, consult, complete internships, and otherwise involve themselves in the business, health care, human service, educational, and government communities at our doorstep. Additionally, representatives of these professions visit the Gannon campus regularly to supplement classroom theory via guest lectures, seminars, workshops, and adjunct teaching.