Office of the President

Welcome

San Diego's first Bishop Charles Buddy and Mother Rosalie Hill of the Religious of the Sacred Heart envisioned this university on a hill as a beacon of light for the Catholic intellectual tradition. With more than 8,000 students from 77 countries and 44 states, the University of San Diego is the youngest independent institution on U.S. News & World Report's top 100 universities. As one of only 44 universities in the world designated as an Ashoka Changemaker campus, our students apply their classroom learning and God-given talents to confront humanity's urgent challenges.

About President James T. Harris III

President James T. Harris III at a Fireside Chat.

President James T. Harris III at Montgomery Middle School garden in Linda Vista.

President James T. Harris III with Torero families during Ole Weekend 2015

President James T. Harris III with Will Tate in class.

President James T. Harris III at a fireside chat outside of the Hahn University Center.

President James T. Harris III at his inauguration standing between past presidents Alice B. Hayes and Mary Lyons.

Published Writings

Colleges hold keys to restoring a divided America
The San Diego Union-Tribune, Apr. 7, 2017

We're scaring off future Einsteins
USA Today, Mar. 17, 2017

What I'm Reading: "Laudato Si'"
Chronicle of Higher Ed, Sept. 30, 2016

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Addresses

College of Arts and Sciences Commencement
May 27, 2018

Mercy College 100th Anniversary Celebration
Feb. 22, 2018

A Conversation with the Anti-Defamation League
May 2, 2017

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Campus Messages

Opening message to the campus community
Sept. 4, 2018

President's Postcard for May
June 7, 2018

VP of University Advancement: Rick P. Virgin
May 23, 2018

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Upcoming Events

President's Forum
Friday, October 5, 2018 // 1 p.m.KIPJ, Room Theatre

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Spotlight

2018 Commencement Highlights A short video highlighting the sights and sounds of the undergraduate commencement ceremonies.

Living Our Mission with President Christina Saad

A Word from the 2018 President for a Day As the 2017-18 school year is coming to a close, President for a Day Christina Saad ’18 looks back on some of the moments that made this year special.

Christina Saad: USD's President for a Day Christina Saad's day began at 8:30 a.m. as she walked to the Hughes Administration Building... read more.

Taking Action to Care for Our Common Home The spirit of sustainability has deep roots at USD. We are heeding the call of Pope Francis' Laudato si'.

Dr. Irwin and Mrs. Joan Jacobs with President Harris and Dean Ladany

Institute renamed in honor of Irwin and Joan Jacobs USD recently named the Jacobs Institute for Innovation in Education, a nonprofit, university-based research center at the School of Leadership and Education Sciences.

The 2017 President's Report Please join us in looking back at the meaningful accomplishments of the past year through the pages of the 2017 President’s Report.

Don and Ellie Knauss with President Harris and Dean Gomez

Tranformational Change USD Board Chairman Don Knauss and his wife Ellie Knauss have made an extraordinary gift of $20 million toward a much needed School of Business Complex.