From The Boston Globe · · 1m 10s
Father John Butler becomes Boston College's 26th president
Boston College's new president vows to stay true to its Catholic liberal arts mission amid higher education crisis.
In brief
Boston College's new president vows to stay true to its Catholic liberal arts mission amid higher education crisis. Father John Butler, Boston College's 26th president, rejects reinventing higher education and promises to double down on liberal arts education. Originally reported by The Boston Globe.
Butler inaugurated as 26th president
Boston College's Rev. John T. Butler becomes the school's 26th president on Friday.
Butler rejects higher education reinvention
Butler says the crisis in education is false and institutions should not seek fads or new solutions.
Butler acknowledges higher education challenges
Butler admits declining revenues, rising deficits, demographic shifts, and political strife affect Boston College.
Butler's formative education vision
Butler promises a 'formative education' rooted in liberal arts that shapes students as people through humility and service.
“It’s not about spitting out the answers. It’s now about you being able to manipulate the paradigm.”
Butler's personal academic journey
Butler overcame dyslexia as a student and joined the Jesuit order in 1991, becoming ordained in 2:00.
Butler's leadership history
Butler served as Haub Vice President for University Mission and Ministry for two decades at Boston College.
Butler's inauguration ceremony
Butler took office from Rev. William P. Leahy on July 31, 2026, after Leahy served as president since 1996.
The bottom line
Father John Butler, Boston College's 26th president, rejects reinventing higher education and promises to double down on liberal arts education.
