Meet the Speaker: Margaret Higgins, Ph.D.

Margaret Higgins, Ph.D.
Director of Mission Integration, Ignatian Center for Jesuit Education, Santa Clara University
Inspired Leadership Initiative Alum (Cohort 3, 2021-2022)

Margaret Higgins currently serves as the inaugural Director of Mission Integration in the Ignatian Center for Jesuit Education at Santa Clara University. Her post is a vocational surprise animated by her participation in Notre Dame’s Inspired Leadership Initiative. 

Ms. Higgins’ career has spanned three decades of c-suite and senior leadership in Catholic secondary and higher education, with over fifteen years in Jesuit education. She has served in executive positions in student affairs, administration, and development, including as President/CEO of Cristo Rey San José Jesuit High School. In each role, Margaret has worked with members of the educational community and external stakeholders to ensure that mission, student success, and sustainability are all equally achieved. Placing a particular emphasis on first generation students and their families, she has inspired a commitment to the holistic development of graduates and future leaders.

Ms. Higgins earned her B.S. in communication disorders from the College of Saint Rose, a M.Ed. in guidance and counseling from Springfield College, and a Ph.D. in educational administration and policy from The Catholic University of America. Her dissertation researched the transformational behaviors of Catholic university presidents in the development of vision.