Leadership

Meet Our Leadership

Richard J. Bautch, PhD 
Executive Director, The Holy Cross Institute | Professor in The School of Arts and Humanities 

Richard Bautch hails from the Chicago area and is a product of Holy Cross education (University of Notre Dame, MA and PhD). As an educator, his deepest roots are in Catholic high school teaching; Bautch taught English to sophomores and juniors for several years before going to graduate studies and focusing on Christianity and Judaism in antiquity. 

In addition to teaching at St. Edward’s University, Bautch has held leadership roles including department chair and associate dean in the School of Arts and Humanities. He has also been involved in the Southwest Commission on Religious Studies (chief executive, 2014–2018) and the Catholic Biblical Association (executive board, 2014–2016, 2018–present).

Bautch joined the HCI Board of Governors in 2019 and has served as its chair since 2020. As interim executive director, he now looks forward to collaborating closely with fellow leaders across the Holy Cross family in our institutions of secondary and higher education. “Our common aim,” Bautch said, “is to accomplish what Blessed Basil Moreau spoke of as ‘the successful cultivation of the Lord’s vineyard to which we have been called.’” Bautch has a special interest in Basil Moreau the Scripture scholar and enjoys researching this aspect of the founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross. Ave Crux, Spes Unica! 
 

Amberly Russell
Associate Director of Communications, The Holy Cross Institute 

Amberly Russell is a seasoned digital content creator and marketing strategist with extensive experience in higher education, nonprofit, and corporate sectors. She specializes in managing cross-functional teams, developing comprehensive digital marketing strategies, and crafting compelling content that enhances engagement, drives lead generation, and strengthens brand presence.

With a strong background in digital media, Amberly has successfully led initiatives that expand audience reach and visibility, leveraging data-driven strategies to optimize campaign performance. Her passion for storytelling ensures that every message resonates with its intended audience and fosters meaningful connections.

Her global experiences—teaching English in Thailand and South Korea, serving in the Army in Germany, and traveling extensively—have enriched her perspective, deepened her cultural awareness, and strengthened her ability to collaborate across diverse teams. These experiences inform her approach to digital strategy, emphasizing inclusivity and impact.

Amberly was drawn to the Holy Cross Institute by its commitment to education, service, and values-driven leadership. She is inspired by its mission to cultivate compassionate and ethical leaders and is eager to amplify its message through innovative digital strategies that connect with students, educators, and the broader community.

In her free time, Amberly enjoys patio weather, live music and traveling to state and federal parks as well as the charming Texas Hill Country with her dog in tow.