Franciscan University of Steubenville was born on December 10, 1946, a product of the optimism in the country that accompanied victory in World War II. Indeed, most members of the first class were veterans of the war and were making use of the GI Bill to pay for their education. The school in which the 258 students (including seven women) enrolled was known officially as the College of Steubenville, and its origins were distinctly humble. Bishop John King Mussio, recently installed in 1945 as the first bishop of Steubenville, decided that the time was right for a Catholic college in that region of Ohio.

In the time since, Franciscan University of Steubenvlle has emerged as a leader in academically excellent and passionately Catholic education. By integrating faith and reason in the pursuit of truth and right living, the University has grown from a small facility serving local veterans of World War II to a beautiful hillside campus and an educational institution recognized nationally and internationally for its programs, faculty, and graduates. The university has continued to expand its outreach by amplifying and developing the campus, developing online studies, and advancing the already successful conferences and ministries across the country.

The numerous Franciscan Friars on campus continue to serve the university community in many capacities. From University President and other administrative roles, to professors, instructors, campus ministers, spiritual directors, counselors, athletics chaplains, student life staff, conference speakers, and others, the friars are integrated fully in the university life. The chief testament to the influence of the friars on campus is the vibrancy of Catholic life among the students, faculty, and staff. There are typically five or more daily Masses on campus, four or more hours of scheduled confession times per week with multiple friar priests present, and a multitude of other faith-oriented events such as retreats, communal prayer, 24 hour adoration during the semester, and much more.