The Spire

Kaitlyn Richards ‘29

News Editor

For the 2026-2027 academic year Holy Cross will undergo notable changes in student leadership, following the announcement that two key administrators will be leaving their positions at the College beginning as early as this upcoming spring. 

College President Vincent D. Rougeau announced in a message to the campus community on Feb. 17, 2026, that Michelle Murray, Senior Vice President for Student Development and Mission “has been named the next president of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU)”, concluding her role at the College following the spring commencement. In the same message, Rougeau also announced that Charles Todd, Associate Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Students “has accepted a new position as Vice President for University Life at Columbia University” leaving the College this upcoming spring. 

Together, the departures represent a notable transition for the divisions most directly connected to student life, residential programming, and the College’s Jesuit mission. At Holy Cross, Murray oversaw both Student Development and Mission and Ministry; a dual position created to suit Murray’s role in both departments. Both of the offices are responsible for overseeing student conduct, wellness, and residential life, reflecting the College’s influential initiatives. 

Murray’s appointment to the AJCU marks a historic milestone for the organization, as she becomes the first lay person and the first woman to serve in the role. Founded in 1970, the AJCU is responsible for supporting the advancement of Jesuit higher educational institutions across the nation. The organization coordinates Jesuit initiatives among all twenty-eight member educational institutions within seventeen states. Murray will bring her experience serving as a leader at Loyola University, Seattle University, and the College of the Holy Cross to her new position. In their announcement, the AJCU stated that in her new position “Murray will work closely with other higher education and Jesuit organizations based in Washington, DC,” bringing advancements to benefit students across the nation. 

Rougeau praised Murray’s decade of involvement at Holy Cross, describing her as a “wise and empathetic,” leader who guided both the Divisions of Student Development and Mission and Ministry. Rougeau continued by citing Murray as “leading with a strong moral compass” taking on developments at the College head-on, from the well-being living community at Ciampi-Condron Hall, and enhancing staffing within residence halls to ensure the health of all students. He emphasized that Murray’s leadership helped strengthen the College’s commitment to integrating academic, personal, and spiritual growth into daily life at Holy Cross. 

Furthermore, Todd will be bringing his expertise working in higher education at the University of Chicago and the College of the Holy Cross to Columbia University, to advance areas of student life on campus. Todd, who joined the Student Development team in July of 2023, has played an integral role in student development at Holy Cross, implementing programs in crisis management, and behavioral management on campus. Rougeau commended Todd for being “instrumental in advancing the Holy Cross student experience beyond the classroom,” allowing students to thrive in a culture built on respect. Todd continually worked to create supportive as well as respectful environments and programs for the student body and connect with students through his initiative “Five Questions from Dean Todd” allowing students to share their voices, and create an environment that supports students’ diverse needs on campus. 

As the College prepares for the transitions, the President’s Office will begin to consolidate Murray’s dual role on campus and look for leaders to succeed Todd. College administrators will have more information regarding the successors closer to the commencement of the 2026-2027 academic year. While the new leaders will have the strong foundations created by Murray and Todd’s influence, they will have the opportunity to bring new perspectives to create a new chapter in Student Development at Holy Cross. 

Featured images courtesy of the Office of Student Development