Michael J. Graham
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Michael J. Graham, S.J. became the 34th Jesuit president of Xavier University in January 2001.
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[edit] Biography
[edit] Early life and education
Born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Graham earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa. He also holds Master of Arts degrees in American Studies and psychology, and a doctorate in American Studies from the University of Michigan.
[edit] Career
Graham entered the Society of Jesus on Sept. 3, 1978 and was ordained a priest on June 11, 1988. Graham's path to the presidency at Xavier began with an assignment as an adjunct professor of history in 1984. He spent a year and a half at Xavier before leaving to undertake a master's degree in divinity at Weston Jesuit School of Theology. He returned to campus four years later, in 1989, serving as an assistant professor of history and later as director of the university scholars program. In the spring of 1994 he was promoted to the rank of associate professor.
In the fall of that year, Graham accepted an appointment as vice president for university relations and served in that capacity until 1999 when he was promoted to executive assistant to President James E. Hoff, S.J. In his role in university relations, he directed the offices for development, marketing and public relations, alumni and parent relations, special events, and the WVXU radio station. During his tenure as vice president, Graham managed The Century Campaign, the most ambitious fundraising campaign in Xavier's history that ended in 2001. The five-year fund drive raised $125 million.
As President of Xavier, Graham has invigorated the University's tradition of serving society by educating students intellectually, morally, and spiritually, with academic rigor and compassion, toward lives of solidarity and service. Since completion of the newest structures on campus, including the Gallagher Student Center, Graham is focusing on academic excellence. As part of his strategic plan the University has established an academic vision, increased the number of full-time faculty, enhanced interdisciplinary study, and expanded academic service learning. Fulfilling his vision of the "University as Citizen," Graham has also initiated the Community Building Collaborative at Xavier, which coordinates activities that connect the University to the surrounding neighborhoods and larger community. A goal for the University is to partner with both local and regional organizations and for Xavier citizens to become more active participants in the community.
As a parish priest active at both Good Shepherd Catholic Church in suburban Cincinnati and with Xavier student groups, Graham carries out his Jesuit pastoral activities as celebrant for weddings, baptisms, and retreats as well as weekly Sunday worship. He has maintained as well an active presence in the classroom since becoming President. "I'm a priest and I'm a teacher," says Graham. "My gifts and experience intersect with Xavier University at this particular moment in time in such a way that what I think I'll be able to contribute is an enhanced sense of the University's excellence as a university, per se, and as a distinctly Jesuit-Catholic university."
