Michael J. Graham interview (session 6)

Xavier University\u27s thirty-fourth Jesuit president Rev. Michael J. Graham, SJ, was born March 9, 1953 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In 1975 he received a BA in psychology and philosophy from Cornell College, Mount Vernon, Iowa. In 1983 he received a MA in psychology and PhD in American Studies both from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan. He entered the Society of Jesus while at the University of Michigan and was ordained in 1988. Prior to his appointment as president he held several academic and administrative positions at Xavier University. Father Graham retired as president in 2021. In this interview, Graham talks about his favorite parts of the academic year, specifically commencement and basketball season. He discusses individuals who have supported him throughout his presidency, including Mary Lang, John Kucia, Joe Feldhaus, and others. He reflects on the similarities and differences between students and faculty from when he started to his retirement, particularly describing the effects of social media on students and the strengths of the current faculty. He discusses the Jesuit, Catholic identity of Xavier, crisis management, leadership styles, collaboration, and community. The interview concludes with a discussion about his plans for retirement and his desire to continue to contribute to the ministry of higher education by the Society of Jesus