Rev. James J. Maher, C.M. was appointed Executive Vice President
for Mission and Student Services at St. John’s effective January 1,
2011, marking a long-tenured 21-year career at the University that
began in 1990.
During his tenure, Fr. Maher has served as Campus Minister to
the Department of Athletics, Vice President of University Ministry,
Vice President of Student Affairs, Executive Director of the
Vincentian Institute for Social Action and currently serves on the
board of St. John's Bread & Life Program -- the second largest
emergency food provider in New York City. Despite his vast
responsibilities within the University, Fr. Maher continues to
serve in an advisory role for St. John’s Athletics: assisting
coaches, staff, administrators and student athletes.
He pronounced his vows in the Vincentian Community in May of
1989 and was ordained to the priesthood on May 26, 1990, at Mary
Immaculate Seminary in Northampton, PA. He received his Bachelor of
Arts degree from St. John's University in 1984, his Master of
Divinity in 1989 and Masters in Theology in 1990. In May of
2004 he was awarded a Doctorate of Ministry degree by The
Immaculate Conception Seminary and Graduate School of
Theology. Fr. Maher focused his doctoral research on NIKE
Inc. and its contracted factories in Vietnam, as well as Catholic
Social Teaching and worker development programs.
In recognition of his service to the community, Fr. Maher was
named the New Yorker of the Week in 1995 by Time Warner, NY1.
In 1998, Fr. Maher received the President's Medal from St. John's
University and was selected as one of the Outstanding Young Men of
America.
Fr. Maher has received the Cross and Anchor award from Holy
Cross Roman Catholic High School for exemplary service. In 2004, he
was named one of the “Top 100 Irish-Americans in the United States”
by Irish American Magazine. In 2009, Fr. Maher received the Pietas
Medal from St. John’s for his commitment, service and dedication to
the University.
Serving as a trustee for DePaul University in Chicago and
Niagara University in Niagara Falls, NY, Fr. Maher also serves as
an appointed Provincial Counselor to the Eastern Province of the
Vincentian Community.