Villanova University Opens Doors to its Cabrini Campus, Marking a Historic Milestone in 184-Year History

VILLANOVA, Pa. (August 10, 2026) - A new chapter in Villanova University's history has begun with the opening of the Villanova University Cabrini Campus. This addition of a second campus marks a transformative expansion of the 184-year-old institution, further strengthening the University's ability to advance its Augustinian Catholic mission and commitment to Catholic higher education. Located on 112 acres in Radnor, Pa., the Cabrini Campus supports all aspects of campus life-including academics, residential living, spirituality, dining and recreation-allowing Villanova to expand its robust academic programming and nurture a true living and learning experience.

The Cabrini Campus officially became part of Villanova University in June 2024 following the completion of an agreement with Cabrini University and the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Following two years of planning, renovation and infrastructure improvements, the campus now welcomes students, faculty and staff as a fully integrated part of the Villanova University experience.

"The opening of the Cabrini Campus is significant milestone in our University history," said University President the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD. "As Villanova begins this new chapter, we do so with deep respect for Cabrini's history, mission and the people who shaped it. The Cabrini Campus will honor the remarkable legacy entrusted to us while expanding our mission in ways that will serve students and society for decades to come."

The Cabrini Campus advances Villanova's Strategic Plan, Rooted. Restless., by creating new opportunities for academic innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration and residential living and learning. The campus expands the University's capacity to educate students in an environment grounded in the Augustinian Catholic values of Veritas, Unitas and Caritas while offering additional spaces for teaching, research, student life and community engagement.

Several undergraduate and graduate academic programs will call the Cabrini Campus home, including the Department of Ethics, the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, the Department of Education and Counseling, and select facilities supporting the Department of Communication in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The Cabrini Campus also will house select graduate programs in the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing.

"The Cabrini Campus enhances Villanova's ability to deliver an exceptional academic experience while positioning the University for continued evolution and innovation," said Provost Patrick G. Maggitti, PhD. "These new academic facilities strengthen our teaching and research enterprise, create opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and provide the space necessary to advance key academic priorities for years to come."

The campus's academic facilities include nearly 30 classrooms, dedicated nursing simulation spaces, state-of-the-art research laboratories, a vivarium supporting psychological and brain sciences research, specially designed classrooms for education and counseling, collaborative learning environments and extensive student study space designed to support both undergraduate and graduate education. It also houses the Mother Cabrini Institute on Immigration, an academic institute that advances the University's Augustinian Catholic mission while honoring Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, patroness of immigrants.

Beyond its academic offerings, the Cabrini Campus provides a vibrant mix of residential, dining, recreational and spiritual experiences for the University community.

The Cabrini Campus features six residence halls and one apartment-style building, housing approximately 900 students-primarily sophomores. It will also feature a residence dedicated to student veterans enrolled at Villanova. At the heart of the campus, a renovated student center features comfortable gathering spaces, a student lounge, made-to-order dining options, a coffee shop, convenience store and University Shop.

Spiritual life and the University's Augustinian Catholic mission will also be woven throughout the Cabrini Campus experience, with opportunities for worship, reflection, service, hospitality and community-building that support the holistic development of students, faculty and staff. Liturgical celebrations, including weekly Masses, will be held at Sacred Heart Chapel on the Cabrini Campus.

The 100,000-square-foot Dixon Center and Nerney Pavillion serve as a recreational hub, offering an indoor pool, multiple basketball courts, a suspended indoor track, a group fitness studio and a fitness center for students, faculty and staff. The campus also features outdoor courts, turf and grass playing fields and a nature trail. Villanova Field Hockey will establish its permanent home on the Cabrini Campus, with the Wildcats' new pitch occupying the site of the former Edith Robb Dixon Field.

Dedicated shuttle routes connect the Cabrini and Villanova campuses as part of the University's larger Wildcat Shuttle system, providing convenient, direct transportation for students, faculty and staff between locations.

The newly revitalized Cabrini Campus reflects Villanova's commitment to preserving the legacy of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini and the shared traditions of Catholic higher education. Building names throughout the campus honor the heritage of Mother Cabrini and St. Augustine while also recognizing the Augustinian tradition that shapes the University's identity. The Student Center is named Cascia Hall after St. Rita of Cascia, an Augustinian nun, and study spaces will be housed in Tagaste Hall, named after the North African city where St. Augustine was born. Two residence halls-Francesca and Xavier Halls-honor St. Frances Xavier Cabrini (born Maria Francesca Cabrini) and additional buildings are named in recognition of Augustinian friars and nuns.

"We are honored to serve as stewards of this campus and the legacy it represents," said Father Donohue. "The Villanova University Cabrini Campus stands as both a tribute to the past and an investment in the future-a place where students have learned, grown, and flourished for generations, and will do so for many more."