President of the University of Notre Dame

President of
University of Notre Dame
Seal of the University
since June 1, 2024 (2024-06-01)
University of Notre Dame
ResidenceNotre Dame, Indiana
AppointerBoard of Trustees
FormationJanuary 14, 1844 (1844-01-14)
First holderEdward Sorin
WebsiteOffice of the President

The president of the University of Notre Dame is the chief administrator of the university. The president is selected by the board of trustees of the university, which has the general power of governance of the institution, and is second only to the university fellows. The president of the university is ex officio member of both the board of trustees and the fellows.[1]

The first president was Edward Sorin, who was also the founder of the university, who started his term in 1844 when the university received its charter.[2] Since then, there have been 18 presidents, the current one being Robert A. Dowd, whose term started in 2024.[3] Throughout the history of the university, the presidents have spearheaded change expansion.[4] The longest serving president was Theodore Hesburgh, who first started enrolling women undergraduates, increased the financial endowment, expanded campus construction, and greatly increased the university's academic reputation during his 35 year long term. [5]

The president is selected for a renewable 5-year term by the trustees of the university among the priests of the Congregation of Holy Cross.[6] Many of the presidents have been Notre Dame alumni.

The president must be a priest of the Congregation of Holy Cross, which founded the University.[1] Holy Cross priests take a vow of poverty, so the presidential salary is paid directly to the order.

  1. ^ "About the Office // President // University of Notre Dame". Archived from the original on 2014-02-15. Retrieved 2014-02-15.
  2. ^ Report, Tribune Staff. "ND to celebrate Sorin's birthday". South Bend Tribune.
  3. ^ "Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., elected 18th president of the University of Notre Dame". Notre Dame News. 2023-12-04. Retrieved 2023-12-04.
  4. ^ "REACHING FOR GREATNESS". chicagotribune.com.
  5. ^ Thayer, Kate. "Theodore Hesburgh a visionary president who transformed Notre Dame". Chicagotribune.com.
  6. ^ Report, South Bend Tribune. "Notre Dame board elects Jenkins to third term". South Bend Tribune.