Dennis Holtschneider: Catholic universities in the US "seek to be open for the larger world"

Catholic universities in the USA "seek to be open for the larger world" and make "a powerful difference". These were the words of Rev. Dennis Holtschneider, President of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU), in the Conference "Catholic Universities in the United States: challenges and transformation", which took place this Thursday, 24th, at the headquarters of UCP in Lisbon. At the event, the guest speaker, who has seven honorary doctorates and a long and distinguished career in the management of North American universities, spoke about the challenges faced by these institutions and the good practices that have been developed.

The expert identified some of the main issues which American Catholic higher education institutions are currently struggling with, from the ageing population of religious congregations, to the decreasing number of university students, and the decrease in believers. Dennis Holtschneider also pointed to the "losing confidence in all major institutions," the "new models of education" and "other competitors that offer certificates, such as Microsoft and Amazon."

In the face of these changes, the academic pointed out that all institutions, despite being "orginizing and/or cutting costs," "they are continuing to offer online education" and "experimenting with credentials," a new educational offer. The speaker also highlighted the importance of introducing "new programmes" and focusing on careers such as mechanical, but "adding a liberal arts catholic component".

Also important to the Reverend are the adaptation efforts of some schools that are "moving to new locations" and joining through new partnerships. To strengthen "the Catholic identity" that defines these universities, the manager advocated the creation of faith-oriented leadership positions such as "vice presidents for mission" and of "catholic studies departments," in parallel with a focus on training.

In the words of Dennis Holtschneider, "ideas change the world" and it is in this sense that Catholic universities and educators should work, to raise and seek to answer the "great questions". As such, he describes the Universidade Católica Portuguesa as "a gift to the world", stressing the importance of the professors who give "their lives for these young people."

The President of the UCP, Isabel Capeloa Gil, who attended the lecture, thanked Dennis Holtschneider, whom she described as "global thought leader on catholic higher education", for his presence and share. This event was also attended by Vice-Rectors and directors of the various schools of the UCP.