John T. Sebastian, Ph.D., is a distinguished academic and administrator serving as the Vice President for Mission and Ministry at Loyola Marymount University (LMU). Appointed on June 12, 2017, John Sebastian succeeded Robert Caro, S.J., in this pivotal role, becoming the second individual to hold this vice presidency at LMU. In addition to his administrative responsibilities, John Sebastian is also a tenured Professor of English, demonstrating his continued commitment to scholarship and teaching. Reporting directly to the President of LMU, John Sebastian plays a crucial role in shaping the university’s mission and values.
Before his arrival at LMU, John Sebastian held the same significant position at Loyola University New Orleans. During his tenure there as Vice President for Mission and Ministry, John Sebastian was instrumental in developing and implementing the university’s strategic plan for the Office of Mission and Ministry. His leadership extended to serving on the President’s Cabinet and various other key leadership committees, contributing to the overall direction and governance of Loyola University New Orleans. Further highlighting his dedication to Jesuit ideals, John Sebastian was actively involved in the development of a Jesuit center on campus. He also founded the Ignatian Faculty Fellows Program, fostering Ignatian pedagogy among faculty, and established a lecture series focused on the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, enriching the academic environment. His commitment to collaboration was evident in his work with the Archdiocese of New Orleans, strengthening ties between the university and the broader Catholic community.
John Sebastian’s engagement with Jesuit education is deeply rooted. He was part of the inaugural cohort of the Ignatian Colleagues Program, a testament to his commitment to Jesuit leadership principles. Furthering his expertise in this area, he earned a certificate through graduate-level coursework at the Institute for Advanced Jesuit Studies at Boston College. Prior to his vice presidential role, John Sebastian served Loyola University New Orleans in various academic administrative capacities, including as the inaugural Director of the Common Curriculum, Director of the Medieval Studies Program, and Deputy Director of the Honors Program. His contributions to Loyola were recognized by the Loyola Faculty Senate, which honored John Sebastian with awards for excellence in advising, teaching, and service, underscoring his multifaceted impact on the university community. He began his academic career in 2004 as a member of Loyola’s English Department, establishing a solid foundation in teaching and scholarship.
Academically, John Sebastian is highly accomplished and recognized. He is a member of the prestigious Alpha Sigma Nu and Omicron Delta Kappa honor societies. His scholarly expertise lies in Middle English literature, with a particular focus on religious drama, devotional poetry, and mystical writing. John Sebastian’s academic interests also encompass Anglo-Saxon England and Old English literature, Chaucer, Ignatian pedagogy and education, medieval women writers, and Old Norse literature and the Vikings. He earned his Ph.D. in Medieval Studies from Cornell University in 2004, preceded by a master’s degree in Medieval Studies also from Cornell, and an M.A. in English from Georgetown University. His undergraduate education was completed at Georgetown University, where he graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in English and Medieval Studies, setting the stage for his distinguished career in academia and administration.
