Michael J. Graham, S.J.

Society of Jesus

The Society of Jesus is a Catholic male religious order that follows the teachings of the Catholic Church. The members are called Jesuits, and are also known colloquially as "God's Army" and as "The Company," these being references to founder Ignatius of Loyola's military background and a...

 is an American

United States

The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

 Jesuit and educator who is currently the president of Xavier University.

Early life and education

Michael Graham was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Graham graduated from Cornell College

Cornell College

Cornell College is a private liberal arts college in Mount Vernon, Iowa. Originally called the Iowa Conference Seminary, the school was founded in 1853 by Reverend Samuel M. Fellows...

 with a Bachelor of Science. Additionally, Graham earned a Master of Arts degrees in American Studies and psychology, and a doctorate in American Studies from the University of Michigan

University of Michigan

The University of Michigan is a public research university located in Ann Arbor, Michigan in the United States. It is the state's oldest university and the flagship campus of the University of Michigan...

. Graham was ordained a priest in 1988.

Career

In 1989, Graham became an assistant professor of history at Xavier, and was the director of the university scholars program. In 1994 Graham was appointed vice president for university relations until 1999 when he became executive assistant to President James E. Hoff. In 2001, Graham became the 34th president of Xavier University.