University Professor of Faith and Culture
The University Professor of Faith and Culture works directly with the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and other academic and faculty leaders to deepen the academic and intellectual discourse on campus concerning Catholic culture and intellectual traditions as major resources for learning and scholarship. The position of University Professor of Faith and Culture was created in 1996 and initially held by Fr. James L. Heft, S.M. The chair was endowed by the Marianists as of July 1, 2000. Fr. Jack McGrath, S.M. was the second chair and David O'Brien became the third University Professor of Faith and Culture on July 1, 2009.
About the Current Chair
David J. O'Brien, Ph.D. is professor emeritus of history and formerly the Loyola Professor of Roman Catholic Studies at the College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts. Dr. O'Brien specializes in Catholic social and political thought, the history of American Catholicism, and religion and politics. He frequently provides expert commentary for the media. He has written six books on the history of American Catholicism and has served as President of the American Catholic Historical Association. Dr. O'Brien was awarded the University of Dayton's Marianist Award for Distinguished Service to Catholic Intellectual Life in 2006. He was appointed as University Professor of Faith and Culture on July 1, 2009.
Dr. O'Brien states, "The University of Dayton pays close attention to the American dimensions of the American Catholic experience. This is crucial for the American church and for Catholic higher education. I hope I can help support this remarkable work."
University Professor of Faith and Culture Annual Lecture
What Happened to the Laity? (doc)
David J. O'Brien, October 2011
University Professor of Faith and Culture Inaugural Lecture
A Fact, Not an Option: American Catholic Higher Education and Historical Responsibility (pdf)
David J. O'Brien, February 2010
