Welcome to St. John’s University!
I am delighted to serve as the 18th President of St. John’s University, an institution that I have long known and admired for always remaining faithful to its founding Catholic and Vincentian mission.
For more than 150 years, St. John’s has educated the sons and daughters of immigrants and has been committed to serving those in need. Founded in 1870, the University was established by the Vincentians at the request of the first Bishop of Brooklyn to provide higher education to a growing immigrant population. We are proud of this enduring tradition which fosters openness and respect for every person and equal opportunity to attain a college education. As such, it is not surprising that St. John’s is among the most diverse national universities in the country and our home borough of Queens County is known as the “World’s Borough.”
St. John’s instills in its students not only the desire for knowledge and pursuit of academic excellence but also the compassion to serve others—especially those most in need—following the example of St. Vincent de Paul. Because of this mission, the University is noted for its academic service-learning programs, which combine academics with opportunities to cultivate faith while engaging in service to others and the broader community.
I encourage you to learn more about the University’s excellent academic programs, our beautiful campuses, and our outstanding faculty, staff, and administrators who support our more than 21,000 students and nearly 194,000 alumni.
I thank you for your interest and support of St. John’s University.
Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P.
President