University of San Diego Affiliate, Franciscan School of Theology, Names New President
SAN DIEGO – The University of San Diego (USD) is excited to share the news that the Franciscan School of Theology (FST) has selected its next president, Keith Warner, OFM. FST educates leaders and examines social issues through the lens of the Franciscan tradition, and Warner is a fitting candidate to lead the school in this mission after spending several decades with FST.
“I feel the mission of FST in my bones. It’s been a source of inspiration and practical wisdom to me, and a great gift for my vocation,” Warner said. “I am deeply grateful to USD for partnering with FST. The university has provided fertile soil for FST to flourish here, and we are pleased to collaborate with USD to extend our global reach.”
FST has been an affiliate of USD since 2012. The school neighbors USD’s campus, and uses its classrooms and facilities to carry out its mission, but it’s also a philosophical partner. USD’s values and curriculum are rooted in its Catholic identity, and FST’s commitment to Catholic social thought aligns closely with the university, a Laudato Si’ institution. Both USD and FST believe in channeling the teachings of the Catholic faith to effect social change and uplift our communities.
“USD is very excited for Brother Warner and what he’ll bring to his new role as President of FST,” said USD President James T. Harris III, DEd. “He and the leaders of FST are important and visible members of the USD community, attending campus events and interacting with our students and faculty on a daily basis. We’re proud of our connection to the school and how it aligns with our mission and values. I wish Brother Warner the very best and pray that God will bless him in his new role.”
USD recently launched a first-of-its-kind partnership between its School of Leadership and Education Sciences and FST – a doctorate in Catholic Social Thought in Practice – which was co-designed by Warner. That program begins this fall.
Warner will officially start as president of the Franciscan School of Theology July 1, 2026.
About the University of San Diego
Strengthened by the Catholic intellectual tradition, we confront humanity’s challenges by fostering peace, working for justice and leading with love. With more than 8,000 students from 75 countries and 44 states, USD is among the Top 20 Best Private Schools for Making an Impact according to The Princeton Review. USD’s eight academic divisions include the College of Arts and Sciences, the Knauss School of Business, the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering, the School of Law, the School of Leadership and Education Sciences, the Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science, the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, and the Division of Professional and Continuing Education. In 2021, USD was named a “Laudato Si’ University” by the Vatican with a seven-year commitment to address humanity’s urgent challenges by working together to take care of our common home.