Welcome to the Office of the 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.
History of the University Professor of Faith and Culture
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. Miguel H. Díaz, United States Ambassador to the Holy See since 2009, was appointed the fourth University Professor of Faith and Culture, assuming the position on November 16, 2012.
Current University Professor of Faith and Culture
Miguel H. Díaz received the Doctor of Philosophy in Theology from the University of Notre Dame in 2000. He served as U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See in Rome, Italy from 2009 to 2012. Prior to his appointment in Rome, Dr. Díaz taught theology at the College of Saint Benedict in St. Joseph, MN, and Saint John's University in Collegeville, MN.
A prominent Catholic theologian, Dr. Díaz was the first Hispanic to represent the United States at the Vatican. Last fall he helped launch the Religion and Foreign Policy Working Group of the Secretary of State's Strategic Dialogue with Civil Society. This groundbreaking initiative facilitates regular engagement with communities of faith.
Media articles about Dr. Díaz can be found on his faculty profile, using the link at right.
For More Information
Contact Us
Miguel H. Díaz, University Professor of Faith and Culture
Jesse Phillips Humanities Center
Room 254
937-229-2611