Mercy College of Health Sciences has appointed Deacon Matthew Halbach, PhD, as vice president for mission and campus culture. Dr. Halbach will provide executive leadership for campus ministry, mission integration, and student affairs, advancing initiatives that foster belonging, human flourishing, and holistic well-being across the College community.
Dr. Halbach brings more than 15 years of executive leadership experience in Catholic education, evangelization, and organizational management. His career has focused on strengthening mission-driven institutions through strategic leadership, formation, and accompaniment, with a deep commitment to faith enrichment and service.
Before joining Mercy College, Dr. Halbach most recently served as chief executive officer and publisher of Franciscan Media in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he led the national Catholic publishing apostolate through a period of organizational renewal, expanded digital evangelization efforts, and strengthened its mission-centered outreach to audiences across the United States. Prior to that role, he served as executive director of catechesis at William H. Sadlier in New York, New York, and as diocesan director of deacon formation for the Diocese of Des Moines. He is also a nationally recognized author and speaker on the topics of mercy, accompaniment, evangelization, and catechesis.
“Dr. Halbach brings a rare combination of strategic leadership, pastoral presence, and deep theological grounding,” said Mercy College President Dr. Adreain Henry, OD, EdD, MBA. “His experience and vision will be instrumental as we continue to strengthen our Catholic identity, foster a culture of belonging, and support the spiritual and personal development of our students, faculty, and staff.”
Dr. Halbach holds a PhD in religious education and catechetics from The Catholic University of America, a Master of Arts in theology from Franciscan University, and a Bachelor of Arts in economics from the University of Iowa. He is an ordained deacon of the Diocese of Des Moines.
“I am honored to join Mercy College of Health Sciences at a time of great opportunity and growth,” said Dr. Halbach. “The College’s commitment to forming compassionate healthcare professionals rooted in faith, service, and human dignity resonates deeply with my own vocation. I look forward to walking alongside students, faculty, and staff as we live out the mission together in meaningful and transformative ways.”
In his new role, Dr. Halbach will play a key role in shaping an institutional culture that reflects Mercy College’s Core Values and Catholic heritage, while advancing programs and initiatives that support student success, spiritual formation, and community engagement.
About Mercy College of Health Sciences
Mercy College of Health Sciences is a health sciences specialty school rooted in the Catholic heritage of the Sisters of Mercy. Located in the heart of downtown Des Moines, Iowa, Mercy College offers master’s, bachelor’s, and associate degrees, certificates, and continuing education courses. Through our unique hands-on learning, unparalleled clinical rotations, and accelerated education offerings, our students are prepared to enter the workforce quickly with the critical skills necessary to make an immediate impact in their chosen healthcare careers. Guided by our Core Values of Knowledge, Reverence, Integrity, Compassion, and Excellence, Mercy College has been transforming students into successful healthcare professionals for over 120 years.
