President Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., in a black suit and clerical collar, smiles while speaking with a woman in a green jacket.

Leadership

The University of Notre Dame is governed by a two-tiered structure (Fellows of the University and the Board of Trustees), in which lay leaders and religious of the Congregation of Holy Cross share responsibility for the governance of the University. The Fellows of the University are a “self-perpetuating body,” consisting of six members who at all times must be “clerical members of the Congregation of Holy Cross, United States Province of Priests and Brothers, and six of whom shall be lay persons.” The Fellows are successors to the original founders of the University and, among other responsibilities, determine powers to be delegated to the Board of Trustees.

Meet Our Executive Officers

  • Headshot of a priest wearing a black suit jacket and clerical collar, smiling slightly at the camera. He has light skin and wears round, wire-rimmed glasses. A blurred wooden staircase forms the background.

    Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C.

    President

    Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., was elected by the Board of Trustees in December 2023 as the University of Notre Dame’s 18th president, effective June 1, 2024. As priest-president, he has devoted himself to furthering the University’s mission as the preeminent global Catholic research university.

  • Headshot of a man with glasses, wearing a light blue collared shirt and a dark blue and light blue striped tie. He is smiling at the camera against a plain gray background.

    John T. McGreevy

    Charles and Jill Fisher Provost

    John T. McGreevy began his tenure as the Charles and Jill Fischer Provost of the University of Notre Dame on July 1, 2022, the sixth provost at Notre Dame since the position was established in 1970. The University’s second-ranking officer, the provost is elected by the Board of Trustees and, at the direction of the president, exercises overall responsibility for the academic enterprise.

  • Headshot of a man with short graying hair and blue eyes, wearing a navy suit, light blue shirt, and gold polka dot tie.

    Shannon Cullinan

    Executive Vice President

    Shannon Cullinan was elected executive vice president in July 2019, having served many roles in University management and development. In this role, Cullinan oversees the University’s $1.9 billion operating budget and leads the divisions that are responsible for operating the University.

Leadership and Governance

  • President’s Leadership Council and Deans

    The President’s Leadership Council and Deans include the deans of the various colleges and schools, as well as vice presidents of academic and administrative units across campus.

  • Board of Fellows

    The Fellows perform five essential duties, including determining the powers delegated to the Board of Trustees.

  • Board of Trustees

    The Board of Trustees is responsible for the general governance of the University.

Additional Leadership Resources