WASHINGTON, DC - Rev. Gregory F. Lucey, S.J. began his tenure as the president of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU) on July 1st. He succeeds Rev. Charles L. Currie, S.J., who served as president from 1997 to 2011.
As president of AJCU, Fr. Lucey plans to focus on ensuring that the AJCU maintains an effective presence in Washington, D.C. in support of higher education. And, while building on the extensive work of Fr. Currie, he plans to explore ways that AJCU might creatively provide services to the 28 member institutions to strengthen the Jesuit higher education network.
Fr. Lucey said, “Over the last few months I have visited nearly all of the campuses and listened to the stories of what is happening. This experience has reaffirmed my appreciation of what is being accomplished and heightened my awareness of the challenges we face. I am excited to have this opportunity to serve this worthy endeavor.”
Prior to his arrival at AJCU, Fr. Lucey served as President of Spring Hill College in Mobile, AL from 1997-2009. He has also served as President of the Jesuit Conference U.S.A., Rector of the Jesuit Community at Marquette University, and Vice President for Development at Seattle University.
He founded and served as Director of Marquette’s Center for Ignatian Spirituality, and in 1995, he attended the 34th General Congregation of the Society of Jesus as one of 200 delegates worldwide. He has been involved with the activities of Heartland/Delta from the consortium’s inception, as well as the Ignatian Colleagues Program (ICP).
A native of Wisconsin, Fr. Lucey entered the Society of Jesus in 1951 and was ordained a priest in 1964. He holds a Ph.D. in educational administration from the University of Wisconsin at Madison, an M.A. in liturgy from the University of Notre Dame, as well as undergraduate and graduate degrees in philosophy, theology and education from Saint Louis University. He has served as a trustee of Xavier University, Loyola University New Orleans and Marquette University.
Outgoing AJCU president Fr. Currie recently remarked, "It is difficult to say goodbye to 14 years of working closely with the women and men who make our 28 colleges and universities so special. I leave AJCU with great gratitude for the privilege of being part of a dynamic history leading to a promising future. I am happy and confident that Fr. Greg Lucey will move the Association to new heights and I wish him every success."
