The Ratio Studiorum of 1599 is a collection of regulations that standardized Jesuit education practices, including curriculum and leadership structures. The Ratio identifies a “prefect of studies” who was primarily responsible for overseeing the academic aspects of the institution, including organizing the curriculum and the quality of instruction, ensuring academic standards are maintained - the foundations of the contemporary role of a university provost.
Since its founding in 1851, Santa Clara University has had a top academic administrator, though the specific title and responsibilities have changed through the decades. You can learn more about the history of academic leadership at Santa Clara University through the University Archives. In contemporary times, the role of provost has included overseeing all academic programs and departments, managing faculty affairs, developing and implementing academic policies, playing a key role in budget planning and resource allocation, and acting as second in command to the university president. As articulated in the Ratio and down through the present, the provost is a key academic leader who ensures the academic mission of the university is upheld.
Provost and Executive Vice President
James M. Glaser, 2024 - present
Acting Co-Provosts
Kate Morris and Ed Ryan, 2021-2024
Provosts and Vice Presidents for Academic Affairs
Lisa Kloppenberg, 2019-2020 (interim); 2020-2021
Dennis C. Jacobs, 2011-2019
Don C. Dodson, 2010-2011 (interim)
Lucia Albino Gilbert, 2007-2010
Denise Carmody, 2000-2001 (interim); 2001-2007
Stephen A. Privett, S.J., 1991-2000
Academic Vice Presidents
Don C. Dodson, 1990-1991 (acting)
Charles J. Beirne, S.J., 1987-1990
Alex Field, 1986-1987 (acting)
Paul L. Locatelli, S.J., 1978-1986
William F. Donnelly, S.J., 1973-1978
James S. Albertson, S.J., 1968-1973
Alexis I. Mei, S.J., 1956-1968
Joseph Cyril Diebels, S.J., 1953-1956
John M. Hynes, S.J., 1950-1953
Deans of the Faculties
James A. King, S.J., 1945-1950
William C. Gianera, S.J., 1928-1945
John A. Lennon, S.J., 1925-1928
William I. Lonergan, S.J., 1922-1925
Cornelius A. Buckley, S.J., 1912-1922
Prefects of Studies
William Boland, S.J., 1911-1912
James P. Morrissey, S.J., 1910-1911
Joseph Lydon, S.J., 1906-1910
John Ford, S.J., 1904-1906
James P. Morrissey, S.J., 1902-1904
Walter Thornton, S.J., 1901-1902
John Ford, S.J., 1899-1901
Joseph Riordan, S.J., 1893-1899
John Pinasco, S.J., 1888-1893
Robert E. Kenna, S.J., 1883-1888
John Pinasco, S.J., 1880-1883
Aloysius Brunengo, S.J., 1876-1880
Aloysius Varsi, S.J., 1868-1876
Aloysius Masnata, S.J., 1862-1868
Alphonso Biglione, S.J., 1861-1862
Michael Accolti, S.J., 1856-1861
Gregory Mengarini, S.J., 1855