Dear Members of the University Community,

It is with great pleasure that I share the news that Agbonkhianmeghe Orobator, S.J., STL ’98, Hon. ’12, has been appointed dean of the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University, starting August 15. Fr. Orobator is an internationally esteemed theologian and current president of the Jesuit Conference of Africa and Madagascar. 

 Fr. Orobator is one of the most important theological voices in Africa, and among the most influential Jesuit thinkers worldwide. He is a frequent author and speaker on topics including leadership, increasing the inclusion and role of women in the Church; ecological stewardship; and human rights and dignity. 

To learn more about Fr. Orobator, please read the press release.

I am very grateful for the work of the Jesuit School of Theology Dean Search Committee on this successful search:

• Martin Connell, S.J., committee chair, rector of the Jesuit Community at JST-SCU
• Gina Hens-Piazza, Joseph S. Alemany Endowed Chair and professor of Old Testament Studies
• James Nati, assistant professor of Hebrew Bible and Old Testament Studies
• Ed Ryan, acting co-provost 
• Stephen Szolosi, director of spiritual formation 

I also would like to extend my deep appreciation to Julie Rubio and Drew Roberts for their dedicated service as interim dean and chief operating officer, respectively, to lead JST-SCU while we conducted our national search after the deeply saddening loss of former Dean Joseph Mueller, S.J., in January. 

Please join me in welcoming Fr. Orobator to Santa Clara, where we look forward to his leadership as our next dean of the Jesuit School of Theology.

Sincerely,

Julie Sullivan
President