Villanova University announced the appointment of four new members to its Board of Trustees, effective January 1, 2026. The new trustees are The Very Rev. Barnaby Johns, OSA, Kristin E. Reed, David K. “Duke” Reyes, and Robert Tyson. They join a 38-member board responsible for guiding the university’s strategic direction.
New Leadership for Villanova
According to Villanova University President the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, the appointments reflect the university’s commitment to “servant leadership” and its Augustinian mission. He stated that each new trustee brings a unique perspective shaped by their professional experience, faith, and dedication to education and community.
The Very Rev. Barnaby Johns, OSA, currently serves as Prior Provincial of the Augustinian Province of St. Augustine in California. Kristin E. Reed has a long history of philanthropic work, including chairing a capital campaign that raised $17 million for the Boys & Girls Club of Newport County.
David K. “Duke” Reyes is the Chief Executive Officer of Reyes Holdings, LLC, a global food and beverage distribution company. Robert Tyson is a trial lawyer and founding partner of Tyson & Mendes, a national law firm with over 280 attorneys.
The new trustees all have ties to Villanova University. Reed and Tyson are both 1988 Villanova graduates, while Reyes earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Villanova in 1979. Tyson also holds a law degree from Villanova’s Charles Widger School of Law, earned in 1989.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of Villanova University’s Board of Trustees?
The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of Villanova University, according to the announcement.
When did the new trustees’ appointments take effect?
The appointments of The Very Rev. Barnaby Johns, Kristin E. Reed, David K. “Duke” Reyes, and Robert Tyson were effective January 1, 2026.
What is Reyes Holdings, LLC?
Reyes Holdings, LLC is a global leader in the production and distribution of food and beverage products, with operations across multiple continents, as stated in the announcement.
As Villanova University continues to build on its momentum, the contributions of these new trustees could be instrumental in shaping the institution’s future. How might their diverse backgrounds and experiences influence the university’s priorities in the years to come?
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