The University of Notre Dame has a new leader at its helm. Following a distinguished line of predecessors, Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., has been elected as the 18th president, marking a significant chapter for this esteemed institution. This transition in leadership, overseen by the Board of Trustees, signals a continuation of Notre Dame’s commitment to academic excellence and its Catholic mission.
The selection of the president from within the Priests Society of the Congregation of Holy Cross ensures a deep connection to the university’s foundational values. Like his predecessors, including the founder Rev. Edward Sorin, C.S.C., President Dowd will guide Notre Dame’s future, supported by the President’s Leadership Council and the university’s deans. This structure ensures a collaborative approach to leadership, building upon the legacies of previous presidents and adapting to the evolving landscape of higher education.
Introducing Father Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C.
Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., brings a wealth of experience and a profound understanding of Notre Dame to his new role. A native son of Indiana, his journey with Notre Dame began as an undergraduate student. Graduating in 1987 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and economics, his academic foundation was set at the very institution he now leads. His decision to enter Moreau Seminary that same year signaled a deeper calling, leading him to explore his vocation within the Congregation of Holy Cross. This exploration included a formative 18-month period in East Africa, broadening his global perspective and deepening his commitment to service.
His commitment to the Congregation of Holy Cross solidified with his final vows in 1993, followed by his ordination as a priest in 1994. Returning to Notre Dame, Father Dowd served in Campus Ministry, contributing to the spiritual life of the university community as associate rector of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart and assistant rector in a student residence hall. These early roles provided him with invaluable experience in student life and the pastoral dimensions of university life, setting the stage for his future leadership roles.
From Academia to University Leadership
Father Dowd’s dedication to scholarship is evident in his pursuit of advanced degrees. He earned an M.A. in African studies in 1998 and a doctorate in political science in 2003 from UCLA. His academic focus on comparative politics, particularly the influence of religious communities on democratic institutions in sub-Saharan Africa, demonstrates a commitment to understanding complex global issues. His expertise in this area is further solidified by his publications in leading academic journals and his book with Oxford University Press, Christianity, Islam, and Liberal Democracy: Lessons from Sub-Saharan Africa.
Joining Notre Dame’s political science department in 2004, Father Dowd transitioned from student and campus minister to faculty member, and then to university administrator. Prior to his election as president, he held the position of vice president and associate provost for interdisciplinary initiatives. In this capacity, he oversaw a diverse portfolio of institutes and centers, including the Institute for Social Concerns and the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center, demonstrating his broad engagement with the university’s multifaceted mission. His involvement with entities like iNDustry Labs and the Lucy Family Institute for Data & Society also highlights his forward-thinking approach to interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation.
His previous role as assistant provost for internationalization with Notre Dame Global further underscores his global vision for the university. Overseeing global gateways and centers in Dublin, Kylemore Abbey, and São Paulo, and establishing a new office in Nairobi, Kenya, he actively fostered Notre Dame’s international research and educational partnerships, particularly in Africa. This international experience is crucial in an increasingly interconnected world, positioning Notre Dame as a global leader in education and research.
A Vision Rooted in Service and Scholarship
Father Dowd’s leadership is also deeply rooted in service and community engagement. As the founder of Notre Dame’s Ford Program in Human Development Studies and Solidarity, he has championed community-engaged research partnerships in the Global South, reflecting the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. His affiliations as a fellow at various institutes within the Keough School of Global Affairs, including the Kellogg Institute and the Kroc Institute, further demonstrate his commitment to addressing global challenges through research and collaboration.
His research interests extend beyond African politics to encompass the effects of religious beliefs on migrant integration in Europe and the role of faith-based schools in civic engagement. This broad range of scholarly inquiry reflects a deep intellectual curiosity and a commitment to understanding the intersection of religion, politics, and society.
Having served as a Fellow and Trustee of the University since 2020, Father Dowd possesses a comprehensive understanding of Notre Dame’s governance and strategic direction. His long-standing ministry to students as a priest-in-residence in various residence halls has also kept him connected to the heart of the Notre Dame experience – its students. Furthermore, his service as a trustee of Stonehill College and a board member of Brother Andre Hospital demonstrates his commitment to broader service within and beyond the realm of higher education.
In conclusion, Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., steps into the presidency of the University of Notre Dame with a profound understanding of its mission, a wealth of leadership experience, and a deep commitment to its future. His diverse background in academia, administration, and ministry positions him to lead Notre Dame into a new era, building upon its rich history and embracing the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. His leadership promises to continue Notre Dame’s trajectory as a leading global university, rooted in its Catholic tradition and dedicated to serving the common good.
