‘Kellogg Embodies Much of What We Want to Be’

When Father John I. Jenkins, CSC, became the 17th president of the University of Notre Dame, he brought with him a keen understanding of Kellogg's mission.

For the four years prior to his election as president, Jenkins served as associate provost and vice president of the University, positions that required direct over-sight of the Institute.

A native of Omaha, Nebraska, Father Jenkins specializes in ancient philosophy, medieval philosophy and the philosophy of religion. He is the author of Knowledge and Faith in Thomas Aquinas (Cambridge University Press, 1997), and has published scholarly articles in the Journal of Philosophy, Medieval Philosophy and Theology, and the Journal of Religious Ethics. He delivered the annual Aquinas Lecture at the University of Dallas in January 2000 and was the recipient of a Lilly Teaching Fellowship in 1991-92.

Father Jenkins earned two degrees in philosophy from Oxford University in 1987 and 1989. While at Oxford, he taught in Notre Dame's London Program. He earned his master of divinity degree and licentiate in sacred theology from the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley, California, in 1988. Prior to joining the Congregation of Holy Cross, he earned bachelor's and master's degrees in philosophy from Notre Dame in 1976 and 1978, respectively.

In the following interview, Jenkins reflects on Kellogg's mission, his aspirations for the University's research institutes and the importance of student programs.