Father Jack Butler: A Life of Service and Leadership at Boston College

Rev. John T. “Jack” Butler, S.J., is set to become the 26th president of Boston College, succeeding Rev. William P. Leahy. His journey to this esteemed position is marked by a deep commitment to Jesuit values, a passion for formative education, and a dedication to serving others, particularly students.

From Atlanta to Chestnut Hill: The Early Years and Formation

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Father Butler's path to the priesthood wasn't immediately clear. He attended Marist High School, where he played linebacker and initially aspired to play college football. However, an injury sidelined his athletic aspirations, leading him to explore other paths.

Butler's family moved to Miami, where he attended St. Thomas University (then called Biscayne College and run by Augustinians), earning a bachelor's degree in religious studies in 1985. His parents, originally from Providence, R.I., instilled in him a strong faith. He returned to Providence College to earn a graduate degree in theology. Butler went on to earn a Ph.D. in pastoral counseling at Loyola University Maryland in 1995.

His Augustinian education inspired in him a lifelong love of the order. Father George Morgan and Father Mark Garrett, two Augistinian priests who taught at Merrimack College in North Andover, are honored with their photographs on the wall of Father Butler's office. However, when Father Butler expressed interest in becoming an Augustinian, he was told that he would be happier as a Jesuit. Indeed, he quickly fell in love with the Jesuit mission "that you're supposed to be out in the world, around God's people, doing the Gospel."

Butler entered the Society of Jesus in 1991 and was ordained in 2000, taking his final vows as a Jesuit in 2015. Before entering higher education, Butler worked within the prison system, serving as the assistant director and counselor at St. Joseph Prison Ministry in Framingham. "It allowed me to understand that no matter where you are in life, you're always loved by God," he said, "and my job is to care for all people, no matter who they are or what they've done or what's going on in their life."

A Ministry of Presence: Serving the BC Community

Father Butler's journey at Boston College began in 2002 as a campus minister. In 2007, the University appointed Butler as the inaugural director of Manresa House, a spiritual resource designed to help students discern their vocations. In 2010, he was promoted to Haub Vice President for University Mission and Ministry, succeeding Rev. Joseph A. Appleyard, S.J.. In this role, he oversees the Office of Campus Ministry, which organizes campuswide Masses, retreats, and service programs. Under his leadership, the Division of Mission and Ministry has grown to 10 offices. He is also in charge of campus ministry, student formation, the Volunteer and Service Learning Center, the Office of First Year Experience, the Center for Ignatian Spirituality, and the Montserrat Coalition, which provides mentorship and support to BC students with great financial need. He previously served as director of vocations for the former New England Province of Jesuits and director of BC's Manresa House, which provides guidance to students discerning a vocation to the priesthood or religious life.

Father Butler has been a member of the president’s senior leadership team since 2010. He has played a key role in advancing the University’s strategic priorities in formative education, curriculum renewal, and student wellness. One of the architects of formative education at Boston College, which seeks to help integrate the intellectual, religious, social, and affective dimensions of students’ lives to assist them to discern their calling and develop their gifts in the service of others, Fr. In addition, Fr. Butler has directly assisted undergraduate and graduate students, providing counseling and guidance on personal issues and career goals, and engaged with student-athletes, serving as chaplain to the Boston College football program since 2010.

His influence extends to updating the university’s core curriculum, expanding mission-based outreach programs, and helping raise $40 million for initiatives supporting academics and student life.

Whether in prison or on a college campus, he said, ministry requires the same skills. "You got to listen, you got to accept people where they are, and you got to love them where they are," he said.

Championing Formative Education

Father Butler is particularly known for his dedication to formative education, a cornerstone of Jesuit pedagogy. He sees education as more than just acquiring knowledge; it's about learning how to live a meaningful life, handle challenges, and take responsibility for the world.

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"Formative education comes out of the Jesuit tradition," Father Butler explained. "It is an education with a heart, a soul, and an imagination, meaning you become educated not for an end in and of itself, but to learn how to live life, to enjoy life, to find joy. It is an education that helps you learn how to handle disappointment and frustration. One that makes you more resilient. It teaches you to take responsibility for the world around you, your life, and the lives of the people with whom you are going to engage. And lastly, formative education is an education with an imagination. How can you envision a future? How can you envision yourself? How can you see new things, and new possibilities?"

He emphasizes the importance of faculty in shaping students' lives, encouraging them to integrate reflection into their learning and apply it to real-world experiences.

Addressing Challenges and Fostering Inclusion

Father Butler is not one to shy away from difficult conversations. He has been involved in addressing issues of race and inclusion on campus. Following a series of protests in 2014, the University created the Committee on Race, which sought to address the issues of race on campus. In October 2017, after two Black Lives Matter signs were vandalized in Roncalli Hall, thousands of BC students staged and attended a “Silence is Still Violence” demonstration. Two months later, Michael Sorkin, CSOM ’21, defaced University property with racist epitaphs, sparking outrage across campus. Butler was included on the panel.

After George Floyd’s death, in June 2020 Leahy sent two letters to the BC community. “America today stands as a nation divided and wounded because of longstanding tensions concerning race, police conduct, and civil liberties,” the letter reads. “Maybe the first step to say, ‘How do we make it more safe for Black students, for all of us here,’ is for you to hear from me I’m sorry,” Butler said.

He understands the need to create a safe and welcoming environment for all students, acknowledging the exhaustion some students feel from repetitive conversations on structural inequity. In 2021, Chris Rizzo, BC ’22 and former chair of GLBTQ+ Leadership Council (GLC), introduced a new proposal to bring a new resource center to campus.

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A Vision for the Future: Continuity and Growth

As he prepares to assume the presidency in the summer of 2026, Father Butler aims to maintain the university’s momentum, continuity, and stability. "I just want to continue our trajectory," Butler told The Heights on the day of the announcement. He is committed to upholding BC's Catholic identity while fostering academic and athletic success.

"I look forward to working closely with the BC community so that together we can lead Boston College to even greater heights, ever mindful of the responsibility that has been entrusted in me as the University’s next president,” the announcement reads.

He plans to spend the time leading up to his presidency listening and learning from students, faculty, staff, and alumni to develop a broader vision for the university.

A Leader Rooted in Faith and Service

Father Jack Butler's selection as the next president of Boston College is a testament to his unwavering commitment to Jesuit values, his passion for formative education, and his dedication to serving the BC community. "He is a dynamic leader, proven bridgebuilder, and problem-solver who understands the University’s strengths and aspirations and is fully committed to its mission," said John Fish, chair of the college’s board of trustees.

His journey, from a young athlete sidelined by injury to a respected priest and leader, reflects a life of embracing new paths and finding meaning in service to others. As he steps into his new role, Father Butler carries with him the hopes and aspirations of the entire Boston College community.

“Today is a special day for me,” said Butler, 61, who is known around campus simply as “Father Jack.” “I feel lucky and fortunate.”“This isn’t something I was expecting,” he added. “I’ve been at BC for 23 years, and I’ve been greatly loved in this community. I’ve tried to love it back, and now it’s my job to love it back.”

Personal Reflections and Insights

Father Butler's leadership style is characterized by his warmth, humor, and compassion. He is known for his ability to connect with students on a personal level, providing counseling and guidance on personal issues and career goals.

"I see us as a family," he said, "and I see us working as a team and in tandem, and my job is to care for the community, and the community does the bulk of the work. And so, when I think of it that way, I have a lot of hope and optimism."

He emphasizes the importance of relationships and community, believing that Boston College's strength lies in its people.

The Importance of Mentorship

Father Butler acknowledges the influence of mentors in his life, particularly Father William P. Leahy. "I've seen him in times where people have come to him in need," Father Butler said, "or when he's making decisions, how he thinks about how it impacts everybody. And I hope I can continue to do that."

He recognizes Father Leahy's contributions to solidifying BC as a Jesuit Catholic school, growing the university, and maintaining its financial stability.

Navigating the Challenges of Higher Education

Father Butler is aware of the challenges facing higher education today, including concerns about funding, changing demographics, and the evolving landscape of college athletics. He believes that Boston College is well-positioned to navigate these challenges, thanks to its strong community and commitment to formative education.

Advice for Students

Father Butler encourages students to challenge themselves, explore their passions, and not rush through their college experience. "Trust who you are," he advises. "And in places where you don’t trust who you are, get to know yourself a little bit more. Don’t try to get through the four years quickly and easily. Challenge yourself while you’re here."

The Role of Faith in Leadership

Faith is central to Father Butler's life and leadership. He believes that God's love is all-encompassing and that his role is to care for all people, regardless of their background or circumstances.

"It allowed me to understand that no matter where you are in life, you're always loved by God," he said, "and my job is to care for all people, no matter who they are or what they've done or what's going on in their life."

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