Online education can be transformative for those who cannot be on-campus, which is particularly important during the pandemic.

To help serve its students during this period of an online learning environment and beyond, University of St. Thomas has hired Dr. Jim Monaghan as Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs and Director of Online Education. Monaghan will assume his position on March 27.

"Dr. Jim Monaghan is joining UST at a crucial juncture when we are poised for mission enhancement and rapid expansion," Dr.Chris Evans, Vice President of Academic Affairs, said.  "His experience in executive leadership roles at faithful Catholic universities will serve UST well as we seek to bolster our Catholic identity and mission and embrace the many opportunities that are before us. His expertise in online education will also benefit UST well as we look to expand programing online"

Monaghan’s Wealth of Experience

Monaghan, a professor and administrator who has worked in online education for more than 20 years, has recently served as associate professor and assistant vice president in the California State University system, as provost at John Paul the Great Catholic University, and as associate provost at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

"I'm really excited to join the University of St. Thomas in Houston at this critical time,” Jim Monaghan said. “UST's deep history in Catholic higher education, its commitment to students and to excellence in one of America's most vibrant cities make it one of the best universities in the world.”

His background includes expertise in student learning, assessment, program review, organizational development, faculty governance, budgeting and finance for multi-million dollar grants and contracts, budgeting for large departments and divisions, enrollment management, retention and graduation improvement efforts, and experience in distance learning and academic technologies.

“I have been involved in the development and delivery of over 15 online programs, with thousands of students served,” Monaghan said. “I've secured and/or managed over $8 million in grants and contracts and have presented at numerous national conferences and published on students' learning when using computer simulations. I've also led efforts to improve student success and graduation rates,” he said.

Monaghan earned his Ed.D from University of Massachusetts in 1996 and a B.A. in Computer Science from Saint Anselm College in 1984.

Monaghan's Family Life

Monaghan and his wife, Peggy, are the proud parents of nine children, ages 12 to 25. He is a cantor at Mass and is an avid cyclist, skier and tennis player.

In 2019, on the occasion of their 25th wedding anniversary, he and his wife attended a small Mass with Pope Francis at the St. Martha House in the Vatican. Monaghan served Mass for the Pope and they both had a private audience with the Holy Father following the Mass.