Dr. Michael James

Fellow, Barbara and Patrick Roche Center for Catholic Education

Michael James brings more than 25 years experience in teaching, research, administration, and international educational consulting and development to his current position as a Fellow at the Boston College Roche Center for Catholic Education.  Prior to his appointment at Boston College, Michael served as the Vice President for research and professional development with the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities in Washington, DC, and as a Senior Officer and Dean of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at Mount Marty College, Yankton, SD.  In addition he has held a variety of university student-service administrative positions in admissions, financial aid and residence life at both Indiana University and the University of Notre Dame.  Michael James is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame where he studied Theology and Psychology.  He earned his MA and Ph.D. in philosophy of education, and educational policy studies and higher education administration from the Indiana University, Bloomington, IN. Currently Michael is Director of the Institute for Administrators in Catholic Higher Education and a faculty member in the Boston College graduate program of Higher Education Administration where he also coordinates the concentration in Catholic University Leadership.  He is Chief-Editor of the research journal, Catholic Education: a Journal of Inquiry and Practice and co-editor for the academic journal, Claritas: A Journal of Culture and Dialogue.  Michael lectures internationally on topics including: educational leadership; institutional mission and strategic planning; religion, education and culture; and, educational development and moral identity.  Dr. James is the most recent recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to Scholarship Award bestowed by the national Jesuit Association of Student Personnel Administrators.  Michael is the lead author of Education’s Highest Aim: Teaching and Learning Through a Spirituality of Communion.  2010. New City Press: Hyde Park, NY.

Email: michael.james.1@bc.edu

Peter Hlabse

Peter Hlabse is the IACHE Conference Coordinator at the Roche Center for Catholic Education.  As the graduate assistant to Dr. Michael James, Peter also serves as a research and teaching assistant. Peter recently received his Master's Degree in Higher Education with a concentration in Catholic University Leadership from the Lynch School of Education at Boston College (2013).  Peter also works as a graduate assistant in Boston College's 'Church in the 21st Century Center', Boston College's Office of Graduate Student Life, and he also authors Boston College’s Jesuit-Catholic Professional Development Blog for Student Affairs Professionals, ‘Partners in Mission’.

Prior to his time at Boston College, Peter graduated from the University of Notre Dame (2011) with degrees in theology and philosophy.  Peter's studies of theology and philosophy in his undergraduate career led him to his current interests in academic life, including: the idea and philosophical justification of a university, the relationship of faith and reason, religion and culture, and the roles and responsibilities of Catholic universities to the Church and the world.

Email: peter.hlabse@bc.edu