The Boston College Presidential Search Committee, composed of members of the Board of Trustees’ Executive Committee (with the exception of University President William P. Leahy, S.J.) has invited members of the BC community to offer comments about opportunities and challenges facing Boston College, as well as qualities desired in the next president.
Board of Trustees and Search Committee Chair John F. Fish said that such input would be helpful in identifying qualified Jesuit candidates for the BC presidency, with the goal of naming a successor in the spring of 2025. Fr. Leahy announced in June that he will step down as president in the summer of 2026.
“For a successful presidential search and to safeguard BC’s institutional stability, momentum, and continuity during a period of leadership change, I believe we all have to be mindful of certain responsibilities and decisions,” said Fish.
“In particular, the Board has a fiduciary duty to protect and enhance Boston College’s mission, heritage, and culture as a Jesuit, Catholic university, increasingly known and trusted to help address critical issues in American higher education, the Catholic Church, and wider society.
“As affirmed during the June Board of Trustees meeting, we have launched our search by first focusing on identifying, recruiting, and electing a Jesuit with the necessary credentials, experience, temperament, and commitment to succeed Fr. Leahy. Leadership of the Society of Jesus has assured the Search Committee that such qualified Jesuits would be made available for consideration by the Executive Committee.”
Accordingly, Fish said, the Search Committee invites BC community members to email their responses to the following questions:
