John T. “Jack” Butler, S.J., assumes the presidency of Boston College
Seventeen months after being named the 26th president of Boston College, John T. “Jack” Butler, S.J., will officially assume the University presidency on July 31, the Feast Day of the founder of the Society of Jesus, St. Ignatius of Loyola.
Fr. Butler has used the time since his election to prepare for the role by visiting with university presidents across the country and shadowing retiring University President William P. Leahy, S.J., to learn from them the intricacies of a college presidency as he formulates his vision for Boston College’s future.
“My time with other presidents, and in particular Fr. Leahy, has shown me that there is a complexity to being a president of a university that demands humility and both trusting and consulting the team that surrounds you while serving the university at large,” said Fr. Butler. “I look forward to the opportunity that awaits me.”
Board of Trustees Chair Travis Rhodes ’93 said Fr. Butler is well prepared for the position given the role he played in advancing the University’s strategic priorities in formative education, curriculum renewal, and student wellness, and his service as a senior administrator since 2010.
“Fr. Butler is a unique and special person,” said Rhodes. “He connects with others in a way that is truly exceptional and brings to the position an inimitable knowledge and understanding of Boston College, given his leadership experiences during the past 20 years. He is a visionary, gifted communicator, and proven problem solver, who will devote everything he has to enhancing the University and its distinctive strengths among the nation’s best schools. This is an exciting time for Boston College.”
Prior to his election as president, Fr. Butler served as Haub Vice President for University Mission and Ministry since 2010. In addition to his administrative and pastoral responsibilities as vice president, he was a key architect of Boston College’s formative education efforts and worked closely with institutional leaders and faculty to oversee the renewal of BC’s Core Curriculum. He also served on the search committees for all senior administrative positions during the past 15 years.
“ [Fr. Butler] is a visionary, gifted communicator, and proven problem solver, who will devote everything he has to enhancing the University and its distinctive strengths among the nation’s best schools. This is an exciting time for Boston College. ”
In addition, Fr. Butler has directly assisted undergraduate and graduate students, providing counseling and guidance on personal issues and career goals, and engaged with student-athletes, serving as chaplain to the Boston College football program. A gifted speaker and homilist, he has inspired many BC students to find their calling, with the ultimate formative goal of helping them to lead lives of meaning and purpose. He is frequently invited to address students, staff, alumni, and parents at lectures, discussions, retreats, and reunions, and to serve as a University ambassador, speaking at high schools, colleges, and universities throughout the country.
Several weeks ago, Fr. Butler began moving into the President’s Office in Botolph House in anticipation of his July 31 start date. Fr. Leahy, who was given the honorific President Emeritus by the Board of Trustees, will take an office on College Road, where he will serve as an assistant to Fr. Butler, however needed.
Boston College will host Fr. Butler’s inauguration during October 15-17 with a three-day celebration that will include academic symposia, a Mass in Conte Forum, an inauguration ceremony, and football game festivities.
“As I begin my new role and ministry at Boston College, I have been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and support I have received,” said Fr. Butler.
“My hope is to take that love and support and to continue to deepen the momentum, stability, and continuity that I am receiving from Fr. Leahy's last 30 years. A furthering of that hope is that we all share in a sense of pride in and commitment to an institution we all have a role in and truly understand that we are a BC family.”