New Vice President for Mission and Ministry

The following is a note to the University community from University President Scott R. Pilarz, S.J. regarding reorganization news at the University and the new vice president for Mission and Ministry.

Dear Members of the University Community,

As we prepare for the coming academic year, I wanted to share some reorganization news about an important area of University life. The University’s mission and our pastoral care of students, faculty and staff are a central and shared responsibility for everyone on campus. I have long believed that it is critical for the composition of the leadership team of the University to reflect that importance. For this reason, I have decided to reinstate the position of Vice President for Mission and Ministry and consolidate a number of related departments and functions within this new division. 

I am pleased to share that, with the approval of the Very Rev. Robert Hussey, S.J., Provincial of the Maryland Province, Rev. Herbert B. Keller, S.J., will assume the role beginning on August 5, 2019.

 As Vice President for Mission and Ministry, Fr. Keller will be an important voice for mission-related issues and concerns, working with divisions across campus. He will be an advisor to me in my work as a member of the President’s Cabinet, will serve as the liaison for a newly established Mission committee of the Board of Trustees, and when needed, will represent me at events on- or off-campus. He will also bring decades of experience working with students, faculty and staff to divisional leadership responsibilities which will consist of the following:

•     The Jesuit Center led by Rev. Patrick Rogers, S.J., Executive Director, and Ryan Sheehan, Assistant Director;

•     Campus Ministries, led by Dr. Helen Wolf, Ph.D., Director. This area includes three campus ministers – Cathy Seymour, Retreats and Social Justice, Fred Mercadante, Retreats and Sacramental Formation and Amy Hoegen, Retreats and Bereavement. Dr. Wolf will primarily focus on expanding inter-religious programming to serve students of other faith traditions;

•     The Center for Service and Social Justice led by Patricia Vaccaro, Director, which will now include both Amy Fotta, Service Coordinator and Barbara King, Coordinator, International Service Programs;

•     The University Chaplain and a part-time Coordinator of Liturgical Music that will be filled in the coming months.

I encourage you all to congratulate and thank Fr. Keller for agreeing to serve in this new and important role to ensure that our Catholic and Jesuit identity continues to inform and enliven all that we do together.