The Rev. John T. Butler was formally inaugurated as the 26th president of Boston College on Friday, emphasizing a commitment to the institution’s Catholic and liberal arts mission amid ongoing challenges in higher education. Butler, who assumed office on July 31, succeeds the Rev. William P. Leahy, who led the university for 26 years.

Speaking at the ceremony held at Conte Forum on the Boston College campus, Butler acknowledged the difficulties facing the higher education sector, including declining revenues, increasing deficits, demographic shifts, and political tensions affecting not only academic programs but athletics as well. Despite these obstacles, he urged confidence in the college’s existing mission rather than seeking to reinvent it. “The goal is not necessarily to seek the fads or to come up with something new,” Butler said, “it’s to double down on who we are.”

Butler, known affectionately as “Father Jack,” has deep ties to Boston College, having served the university for two decades, most recently as the Haub Vice President for University Mission and Ministry. He has been actively engaged with students and staff across the campus community. For instance, he lived alongside the class of 2024 in the freshman dorms to provide support during a difficult pandemic-affected transition. His presence has extended beyond students to faculty and staff, offering comfort during times of loss, as noted by Suzanne Matson, former chair of the English department, and Paul Eastman, custodial supervisor.

The inauguration marked a rare event for Boston College, which has had only two presidents in the last half-century. The ceremony brought together faculty, students, and alumni, who gathered to celebrate the leadership transition.

Butler’s predecessor, Leahy, widely credited with transforming Boston College from a regional commuter school into a prominent research university, was honored with a standing ovation during the event. Leahy’s tenure began on July 31, 1996, the same date Butler took the helm.

In his remarks, Butler outlined an educational vision centered on what he calls a “formative education” grounded in the liberal arts. He clarified that while students engage with diverse academic disciplines, the primary goal is personal development and shaping character. Since becoming president, Butler has developed a five-point plan rooted in this philosophy, expanding on themes of intellectual growth, community engagement, and mission-driven leadership.

As Boston College navigates the evolving landscape of higher education, Butler’s emphasis on sustaining the institution’s core identity signals a continuity in leadership amid external pressures.