A New Era for Notre Dame with Fr. Bob Dowd

For only the third time in 72 years, the University of Notre Dame has a new president, Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C. This transition in leadership heralds the beginning of a new era for Notre Dame, one marked by tremendous optimism and opportunity.

Join Father Dowd as he explains what makes Notre Dame distinctive in all of higher education and discusses how his personal and spiritual journey has given him wisdom, humility, courage, and faith—the hallmarks of a leader capable of guiding Notre Dame into a promising future.

This episode was originally released on June 27, 2024. To explore more, please visit their website.

With great joy, the University of Notre Dame’s Board of Trustees announces the events celebrating the inauguration of Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., as the University’s 18th president. For more information about the Presidential Inauguration celebration, please visit Notre Dame Stories.

In a heartfelt conversation marking the first days of his presidency, Fr. Robert Dowd, C.S.C., shared his vision for Notre Dame’s future alongside outgoing President Fr. John Jenkins. With warmth, humility, and clarity, Dowd described the spiritual and intellectual convictions that will guide his leadership—centered on community, bridge-building, student formation, and faith-driven scholarship.

Dowd’s continued residence in Kavanaugh Hall among students reflects his deep commitment to accompaniment and pastoral presence. For him, university leadership is not about separation from campus life but immersion in it. His background—from growing up in Indiana, to studying politics and religion, to his work in East Africa—has shaped a global and ethical sensibility grounded in Catholic mission.

He reflected on his academic passion for African politics and the Ford Program’s efforts to conduct research in solidarity with poor communities, not on them. He emphasized that Notre Dame’s distinctiveness lies in forming students of faith, wisdom, and courage—not just technical expertise. A core theme emerged: Notre Dame is called to be a bridge-builder in a divided world, rooted in love and reason, not partisanship.

From intercollegiate athletics to protests on campus, Dowd aims to lead with integrity and reflection, inviting dialogue, not division. His vision is not a rupture from the past but a continuation of mission. The September inauguration, with academic programming, a celebration of the Eucharist, and a Jon Batiste concert, will symbolize celebration and rededication.

In a final moment of grace, Dowd closed the conversation with a blessing and prayer, reminding listeners that this presidency is not just about leadership—it’s about vocation.

Immersive Leadership | [00:02:50 → 00:04:30]
Fr. Dowd chooses to remain living in Kavanaugh Hall, continuing his tradition of presence among students and grounding leadership in community.
Faith & Formation | [00:07:00 → 00:09:00]
Dowd shares how his vocation evolved and why he joined Holy Cross—to educate, serve globally, and accompany others spiritually.
Research in Relationship | [00:11:00 → 00:13:30]
The Ford Program seeks to empower communities, conducting research with rather than on people living in poverty.
Strategic Continuity | [00:16:00 → 00:18:00]
Dowd helped shape the university’s strategic framework—highlighting Notre Dame’s strengths and charting a path toward even greater ethical impact.
Building Bridges | [00:23:00 → 00:26:45]
Notre Dame’s Catholic identity positions it uniquely to transcend division and form students into bridge-builders in a polarized world.
Student-Athlete Integrity | [00:27:30 → 00:30:30]
Notre Dame aims to compete at the highest level while prioritizing education, holistic growth, and long-term formation.
Navigating Campus Crisis | [00:31:00 → 00:32:45]
Dowd advocates for reasoned, respectful conversation during times of protest—fostering understanding rather than shutting down debate.
Leadership by Prayer | [00:36:30 → 00:38:00]
Dowd draws strength from prayer, his Holy Cross brothers, and family—echoing the tradition of spiritually grounded ND presidents.
A Sacred Calling | [00:39:30 → 00:40:15]
Jenkins recounts Dowd’s pastoral response to tragedy as a mark of the deep compassion and grace he brings to the presidency.
10. Inauguration as Mission | [00:33:15 → 00:35:30]
Dowd envisions the inauguration as a moment of recommitment to mission—marked by Eucharist, reflection, and joyful celebration.

Community Presence: “Every time I rub shoulders with students, I’m reminded of why we’re here and our mission.”
— Fr. Robert Dowd [00:04:20 → 00:04:30]

Global Vocation: “I became interested in the role religion plays in political transitions, especially in Africa.”
— Fr. Robert Dowd [00:09:30 → 00:09:45]

Solidarity in Research: “People shouldn’t be treated as objects of study but as partners in discovery.”
— Fr. Robert Dowd [00:13:00 → 00:13:15]

Formative Education: “Notre Dame helps students grow not only in knowledge, but in wisdom, faith, hope, and love.”
— Fr. Robert Dowd [00:24:00 → 00:24:20]

Bridge-Building Mission: “The world needs a university that is building bridges.”
— Fr. Robert Dowd [00:26:40 → 00:26:45]

Choosing the Hard Path: “This is not just a four-year decision, but a forever decision.”
— Fr. Robert Dowd [00:29:25 → 00:29:35]

Protest with Purpose: “Let’s have difficult conversations that deepen understanding.”
— Fr. Robert Dowd [00:31:45 → 00:32:00]

Prayerful Leadership: “Making time to be quiet and reflect on what matters most will be essential.”
— Fr. Robert Dowd [00:36:35 → 00:36:45]

Hopeful Transition: “It’s a moment to be grateful for all that has been and to gather in hope for all that will be.”
— Fr. Robert Dowd [00:33:45 → 00:34:00]