The University of St. Thomas-Houston announces the appointment of Dr. Kevin Stuart as the director for the Rev. Donald S. Nesti, CSSp Center for Faith & Culture.

“We are pleased that Dr. Stuart will serve as the Center’s new director,” Dr. Chris Evans, vice president for Academic Affairs, said. He embodies the Catholic mission, identity, and legacy of the Center for Faith & Culture at UST.” Stuart replaces interim director Marion Fernandez-Cueto, MAFC ‘17, assistant director of Education Programs at CFC.  Stuart assumes the position immediately.

Since its founding in 1994, the Center for Faith & Culture has brought a faithfully Catholic voice to the ongoing dialogue between faith and culture. The Center is one of the first U.S.-based faith and culture centers to be recognized by the Vatican, and is set to welcome its largest incoming graduate cohort. 

“I am excited to be the new director of the Center for Faith & Culture because in these turbulent times for American society the mission of the Center is perhaps more vital than ever,” Stuart said.  “Our society is racked by challenges to institutions, civic health, and quality of life. We can either respond with despair or, relying on the deep insights and spiritual riches of the church, build culture and form others who build culture. In choosing the latter path, the Center exemplifies courage, hope, and wisdom. I'm thrilled to contribute to that work.”

About Dr. Kevin Stuart

Stuart is an assistant professor of Political Science in the Social and Behavioral Sciences and Global Studies Department and director of the Master of Public Policy and Administration degree program. Stuart joined UST in 2021 as the director of the newly relaunched Catholic Studies program. Before coming to UST, he served as president of the Austin Institute for the Study of Family & Culture, a social science research institute in Austin, Texas.

Stuart earned a Ph.D from the University of Texas at Austin, where he studied public law and political philosophy. He earned a Master of Sciences from the London School of Economics and Political Science. He is the chair of the Diocesan School Advisory Board for the Diocese of Austin, editor of the Catholicism & Society book series for the Society for Catholic Social Scientists (Franciscan University Press), a former headmaster of St. Mary’s Catholic High School (Taylor, Texas) and the owner of an award-winning political consulting and media firm.

Stuart will remain the director of both the Catholic Studies Program and the Master of Public Policy and Administration degree program.