# 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.
- Title: Father John Butler becomes Boston College's 26th president
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: boston college, john butler, president, catholic university, liberal arts, higher education, university president, boston college president, news, local, Father, John
- Source: The Boston Globe — https://bostonglobe.com/2026/10/16/metro/boston-college-president-inauguration
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: boston college, john butler, president, catholic university, liberal arts, higher education, university president, boston college president, news, local
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Father John Butler, Boston College's 26th president, rejects reinventing higher education and promises to double down on liberal arts education.