Catholic and Jesuit Identity in Higher Education

Abstract

This study incorporated an instrumental embedded case study design to explore how 15 faculty members and an administrator at one Catholic institution of higher education describe their responsibility to promote the academic mission of Ignatian spirituality. Interviews included Jesuit, Catholic, and non-Catholic faculty, and the president of Holy University. It was determined that participants’ ability to foster Ignatian spirituality was dependent upon their religious beliefs and a willingness to promote values common to Catholic and Jesuit faith traditions, despite facing multiple challenges to fulfilling the academic mission. A conceptual model developed that demonstrated relationships among academic administrators, faculty, and students, and how the interactions influence the ability to foster Ignatian spirituality and preserve a faith-based identity at Holy University. Additional perspectives from members at Holy University and other Jesuit institutions of higher learning need to be explored to develop a greater understanding of the academic mission of Ignatian spirituality.