WORCESTER, Mass. – While the College of the Holy Cross searched for its successor to former president Reverend Philip Boroughs in early 2021, the United States was noticeably mired in chaos.

Rioters stormed the Capitol in a violent attack against the 117th United States Congress on January 6. The assault was carried out by a mob of supporters of then-President Donald Trump in an attempt to overturn his defeat in the 2020 presidential election. One week later, the second impeachment of the 45th president occurred just prior to him leaving office. 

The polarized election highlighted the chasm between Democrats and Republicans, the left vs. the right and Trump supporters against everyone else. President Joe Biden called for unity during his inauguration on Jan. 20, but the trial and eventual acquittal of Trump by mid-February only saw the gap between both sides further widen. 

“This nation has a crisis of leadership at so many levels,” said Vincent Rougeau, after Holy Cross hired him as the 33rd president in school history. “Holy Cross is rooted in a mission that can help lead the way forward.”

Rougeau will become the first lay person, or non-ordained member of the Catholic Church, and the first Black president in the Jesuit school’s 178-year history.

In a statement to the media about the decision, Richard Patterson, chairman of the Holy Cross Board of Trustees, said Rougeau was chosen for his ability to rise above the negativity of the current political climate. He also said they were confident in his ability to support Holy Cross’s mission in serving the Catholic community, American society and the wider world through its Jesuit liberal arts education.

“Vincent brings the strategic vision, deep experience as a faculty member and administrator and commitment to liberal arts education that will allow him to lead Holy Cross in meeting the many challenges facing higher education today,” Patterson said.

Rougeau was previously the dean of the Boston College Law School and served as inaugural director of the Boston College Forum for Racial Justice in America. He earned his bachelor’s degree in international relations from Brown University, finishing magna cum laude. He also received his law degree from Harvard Law School. 

“Both his scholarship and his leadership demonstrate his profound dedication to Catholic social teaching and to educating students toward seeking justice and making a meaningful difference in our world,” Patterson said.

Rougeau’s other credentials include serving as president-elect of the Association of American Law Schools and senior fellow at London’s Centre for Theology and Community.

“I am really excited about the opportunities for the future that lie ahead for Holy Cross,” Rougeau said. “I cannot think of a time in our history when the need for mission-driven education oriented to the common good was more acute.”

As the first lay president in the history of the school, Rougeau said he was honored by the distinction.

“I think the Jesuits have done a wonderful job over the last 25 years or so in shaping experiences for lay people so that they are prepared to be true partners in their educational mission,” he said. “Our lives as lay people bring important gifts, talents and perspectives to leadership in a Jesuit, Catholic institution.”

And as the first Black president, he said he hopes to show the importance of racial and cultural diversity in the Catholic experience.

“As our nation struggles with a major reckoning around the country’s history of racism and racial injustice, we have an opportunity at Holy Cross to demonstrate the power of our belief in the inherent, God-given dignity of all people,” Rouogeau said. “We are educating young people to be leaders in an increasingly diverse society, one that needs to accept the darker truths of its history and then move beyond them to build something better.”

Rougeau said educating and engaging with law students for 30 years has prepared him to connect with the modern-day Holy Cross undergraduate student.

“I have learned a lot about how students gain the intellectual rigor, curiosity and discipline they need to become successful lawyers,” he said. “A great undergraduate education is critical not only for the development of excellent lawyers, doctors, and other professionals, but also for the formation of thoughtful and responsible citizens for democratic societies. I want to expand opportunities for more young people to get the kind of education that Holy Cross provides.”

Rougeau is the author of the book “Christians in the American Empire: Faith and Citizenship in the New World Order.” He has been married to his wife Robin for 27 years and has three adult sons. His mother lives near the Holy Cross campus and he said he looks forward to learning more about the Worcester community.

“I think the city is poised for remarkable future growth and development, particularly in the wake of the pandemic,” he said. “It offers so many advantages for new business investment, innovation, research and access to an affordable, high quality of life. I love the rich history, the recreational and arts opportunities, and the cultural diversity.”

Rougeau officially begins his tenure as president of Holy Cross on July 1.