Michael J. Graham interview (session 4)

Authors

Michael James Graham

Interviewer

Anne Ryckbost

Interview Date

4-28-2021

Keywords

Michael James Graham, Society of Jesus, Jesuits, Xavier University (Cincinnati, Ohio), Catholic universities and colleges, Administration, Faculty, Mission and Identity, Center for Teaching Excellence, Debra Mooney, College teaching, Kandi Stinson, Higher Learning Commission, Buildings, TriHealth, Covid-19 (Disease)

Interview Location

Cincinnati (Ohio)

Summary

Xavier University's thirty-fourth Jesuit president Rev. Michael J. Graham, SJ, was born March 9, 1953 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In 1975 he received a BA in psychology and philosophy from Cornell College, Mount Vernon, Iowa. In 1983 he received a MA in psychology and PhD in American Studies both from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan. He entered the Society of Jesus while at the University of Michigan and was ordained in 1988. Prior to his appointment as president he held several academic and administrative positions at Xavier University. Father Graham retired as president in 2021.

In this interview, Graham talks about the Jesuit, Catholic mission of Xavier University as it is manifested in campus offices, programs, and people. He describes the development of the Center for Mission and Identity as well as its many programs (AFMIX, Ignatian Mentoring Program, Ignatian Colleagues Program) and leadership over time. He provides a description of campus art that conveys Xavier’s mission and talks about future projects that will enhance the mission. Graham also discusses his role in Xavier’s mission to achieve academic excellence. He describes the importance of the Center for Teaching Excellence; the process of core curriculum revision; academic program and course development; and the contributions of many faculty members who held leadership positions during his presidency. He then discusses campus building projects and renovations, noting particularly the renovation of Alter Hall and the partnership with TriHealth to create the Health United Building.

Language

English

Duration

00:46:41

Format

audio/mp3

Display Category

Sound

Item Identifier

xuaoh2021_001_xu011_04_graham_access

Collection

Xavier University Oral History Collection

Repository

University Archives and Special Collections, Xavier University Library, Cincinnati, Ohio

Recommended Citation

Michael J. Graham interview, April 28, 2021, XUAOH2021-001-XU011-04, Xavier University Oral History Collection, University Archives and Special Collections, Xavier University Library, Cincinnati, Ohio

Rights

Copyright belongs to Xavier University (Cincinnati, Ohio). The interview may be used by individuals or libraries for personal use, research, teaching or any 'fair use' as defined by copyright law. Permission to reproduce materials in this collection for publication or distribution must be obtained from Xavier University Archives and Special Collections.