CAS Dean Discusses the Francis Factor

Michelle Gonzalez Maldonado, Ph.D., dean of The University of Scranton’s College of Arts and Sciences, was among the distinguished panelists who participated in “The Francis Factor at Eight Years: Global Impacts, U.S. Challenges” discussion hosted by Georgetown University. The virtual March 18^th event was part of Georgetown University’s Dahlgren Dialogues and was co-sponsored by its Office of Mission and Ministry and the Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life.

Georgetown’s Francis Factor dialogues focus on Pope Francis’ mission and message, his priorities and leadership, his impact, and the challenges he offers to U.S. Catholics.

Joining Dr. Maldonado as panelist were Cardinal Seán O’Malley, OFM Cap, Archbishop of Boston; Cardinal Peter Turkson, prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development; and Cindy Wooden, Rome bureau chief of Catholic News Service.

A scholar of religious studies, Dr. Maldonado’s areas of specialization include Latino/a and Latin American theology; Afro-Caribbean and Latino/a studies; U.S. minority, Third World and feminist theologies; and constructive and cultural theologies. She is the editor, co-author or author of 10 books, two of which won Catholic Press Association book awards. She has published more than 40 articles in academic journals and book chapters, presented at 85 academic conferences and meetings, and contributed more than a dozen book reviews. She has also written a number of articles for the National Catholic Reporter.

Dr. Maldonado began her service as dean at Scranton in July 2020. She previously served as assistant provost of undergraduate education at the University of Miami.

Dr. Maldonado earned her bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University; her master’s degree from the Union Theology Seminary and her Ph.D. from the Graduate Theological Union.

Read more about “The Francis Factor” discussion in this Catholic News Service article.