The Holy Cross Institute’s Board of Governors Elects Fr. Rick Wilkinson, C.S.C., as New Chair
Longtime Holy Cross priest and St. Edward's University leader to guide the Institute's governing board
AUSTIN, Texas —The Holy Cross Institute at St. Edward's University has elected Fr. Rick Wilkinson, C.S.C., as chair of its Board of Governors. Nominated by the institute's executive committee, Fr. Wilkinson was confirmed by a unanimous board vote on Aug. 25.
Fr. Wilkinson steps into this role as the institute expands and elevates its efforts to strengthen Catholic identity and Holy Cross mission integration across its global network of schools, colleges and universities.
"In the years he has been with St. Edward’s University, Fr. Rick has shown tremendous support for the Holy Cross Institute and a real willingness to build bridges, through campus ministry and across our entire community," said Dr. Richard Bautch, Executive Director of the Holy Cross Institute. "He knows both our Holy Cross universities and our high schools well, and he understands the vital role the Holy Cross Institute plays in connecting those two parts of the Holy Cross family."
Fr. Wilkinson has spent much of his 45 years as a Holy Cross priest in service to St. Edward's University. "I have had a very ordinary life with extraordinary moments," Fr. Wilkinson said. "I have served all over the world, in Chile and Bangladesh, in formation work at Notre Dame and in parish ministry. I was here for 14 wonderful years at St. Edward's before being called into leadership of the U.S. Province and later into health care. When an opening came up at St. Edward's, I decided to come back. One of the delights of my time here was being present at the very beginning of the Holy Cross Institute, alongside Br. Stephen Walsh, C.S.C., Br. Donald Blauvelt, C.S.C. and George Martin, (President Emeritus, St. Edward’s University). It feels like everything has come full circle, and I am delighted to be back and to help in any way I can."
"I have the privilege of working with Fr. Rick every day here at St. Edward's University, and he is a wonderful addition to the Holy Cross Institute board," said Marianne Ward-Peradoza, provost of St. Edward's University. "He is uniquely positioned to support both the Holy Cross Institute and St. Edward’s University as we look to the future, particularly given his deep experience with the unification process already underway. I am so glad he said yes to join the board, and I know he will help us look ahead with confidence."
Fr. Rick Wilkinson succeeds Lisa Kirkpatrick, who had served as chair since 2022, and joins Dan Tully, principal of Notre Dame College Prep in Niles, Illinois, as the board's two newest members.
About the Holy Cross Institute
The Holy Cross Institute exists to promote and foster the divinely inspired gift of the charism of the Congregation of Holy Cross by educating the minds and cultivating the hearts of Holy Cross educators, students, administrators and board members for the mission of Jesus Christ through the transformational work of Catholic education.
