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Villanova University Welcomes Four New Members too Board of Trustees
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Villanova University announced today, January 12, 2026, the appointment of The Very Rev. Barnaby Johns, OSA, kristin E. Reed, David K. “Duke” Reyes,and Robert F. Tyson to its 38-member Board of Trustees,effective January 1st.
The appointments, lauded by university President the Rev. Peter M.Donohue, OSA, PhD, reflect a commitment to “servant leadership” and a diverse range of expertise. “Father Barnaby, Kristin, Duke and Bob exemplify the spirit of servant leadership at the heart of Villanova’s Augustinian mission,” Donohue stated. “Each brings a unique perspective shaped by faith, professional excellence and a deep commitment to education and community. I am grateful for thier willingness to serve and look forward to the insight and guidance they will bring to the Board as we build on Villanova’s momentum and plan for the future.”
A Global Religious Leader Joins the Board
The Very Rev. Barnaby Johns, OSA, brings a wealth of international experience to the board. Currently serving as Prior provincial of the Augustinian Province of St. augustine in California, Father Johns’ journey to the role has been marked by extensive travel and dedication to education. His formative years were spent in Worcestershire, England, attending The Oratory School in Oxfordshire, followed by a gap year in Pakistan. He then pursued higher education, earning a bachelor’s degree before dedicating three years to teaching English at a high school in Osaka, Japan.
A pivotal moment occurred during a retreat in Nagasaki in 1997, where he connected with The Rev. Tom Purcell, OSA, of the Augustinian Province of St. Thomas of Villanova, sparking his involvement with the Augustinian community. Further studies and pastoral work took him to Edinburgh, Racine, Wis.,london,Rome,and San Diego,culminating in his solemn profession in 2015 and ordination in 2020. Elected Prior Provincial in 2024, Father Johns holds degrees in history, Scripture, and Catholic School Leadership from Anglia University, the University of St. Andrews, and the University of San Francisco, respectively.
Philanthropic Leader Kristin E. Reed Brings Advancement Expertise
Kristin E. Reed ’88 CLAS, a 1988 Villanova graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, has established a distinguished career in philanthropic leadership. She currently serves as President of the Reed Foundation, a private family foundation dedicated to supporting education, healthcare, and community development initiatives. Prior to leading the Reed foundation, she held key development positions at the University of Pennsylvania and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, demonstrating a consistent commitment to advancing educational and healthcare institutions.
Reed’s dedication to Villanova extends beyond her alumni status. She has actively volunteered her time and expertise to the University,serving on the Villanova University Alumni Association Board and co-chairing the recent Comprehensive Campaign for Villanova. She and her husband, John, reside in Wayne, Pennsylvania, and have two daughters, Elizabeth and Catherine.
Entrepreneurial Visionary David K. “Duke” Reyes Offers Business Acumen
david K. “Duke” Reyes ’92 VSB, a 1992 Villanova School of Business graduate, is a prosperous entrepreneur and investor. He is the founder and managing partner of Duke Reyes Investments, a private equity firm focused on growth-stage companies. Reyes’ entrepreneurial journey began with the founding of several technology companies, including a leading provider of cloud-based solutions for the healthcare industry.
He is a passionate advocate for innovation and has been actively involved in mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs. Reyes also serves on the advisory boards of several startups and is a frequent speaker at industry events. He and his wife, Michelle, live in West Palm Beach, Florida, with his wife, Pam, and their three daughters.
Legal Expert Robert F.Tyson Provides Strategic Counsel
Robert F. Tyson ’86 VSB, ’89 JD, a 1986 Villanova School of Business and 1989 Villanova Law graduate, is a nationally recognized trial lawyer and the founding partner of Tyson & Mendes. With over 35 years of experience, Tyson specializes in catastrophic injury, wrongful death, and high-exposure jury trials, achieving prominence with his victory in the multibillion-dollar Howell v. Hamilton Meats case before the California Supreme Court.
Beyond his legal practice, Tyson is a bestselling author and co-founder of both Schaefer City Technologies, an insurtech company, and
