Father James Shea

When Father James Shea takes the helm of the University of Mary in July, a North Dakotan will be our nation’s youngest college president.

Age: 34

Position: President-elect, the University of Mary

Family: My parents, Joe & Pat, still live on the family farm north of Hazelton. I have brothers in Arizona, Germany, Hazelton, the Vatican and Mandan. And my little sister begins 8th grade next year.

Hobbies: I love to read and travel, and I’ve water-skied and snow-skied since I was a boy. I also enjoy eating and cooking (in that order, and especially Italian!).

Community Involvement: I first came to know Bismarck-Mandan well in the very first years of my priesthood, and I was touched by the goodness and warmth of the people of this community. I very much look forward to being an active part of the Bismarck-Mandan community once again.

Career Path: I was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Bismarck in 2002, and served first as an assistant pastor at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Bismarck and later at Christ the King parish in Mandan, along with its mission churches in Huff and St. Anthony.

During those years, I was a teacher and the chaplain at St. Mary’s Central High School. Just two years ago, I was blessed with my first appointment as a pastor, serving St. Joseph’s in Killdeer and St. Paul’s in Halliday. And I’ve continued to serve as a teacher and chaplain, this time at Dickinson Trinity.

It’s been so rewarding and enriching to serve both in education and in pastoral ministry, and I’ve learned very much about the needs and struggles of people of all ages. And then, last year, I was asked to submit an application for the presidency of the University of Mary….

Mentors: This is the hardest question of all, because my life has been abundantly blessed with very many who have inspired and encouraged me along the way. Among those, I think of the teachers who opened my mind to the world of learning, study, and academic discourse. And as I now return to the world of the university, I remember with great affection certain professors at Jamestown College, Catholic U. in Washington, the University of Texas, and the North American College at the Vatican. Through them I was given one of life’s best gifts: an amazing education.

Briefly, tell us about yourself: I am a Christian believer and a Catholic priest, a trained philosopher, a teacher.

What motivates you? I want my life to serve the greater glory of God.

Challenges in your career path: The University of Mary is an institution of tremendous importance to our region, and this new role is different from anything I’ve done before. I’m committed to doing the job well, and I feel humbled to have been given this incredible opportunity.

What challenges do you face as a young professional, particularly during difficult economic times? Times of economic hardship afford us with the opportunity to dust off some of the most beautiful attributes of the human spirit: tenacity, moderation, hard work, generosity, simplicity, candor, faith.

Like any business, a university requires adequate financial resources to fulfill its mission, and I know that the times ahead may be challenging. But I trust the Providence which inspired the Sisters to found Mary College 50 years ago. The Lord has never left us to face the future alone.

What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken? When I was a sophomore in college, I decided to give God the first shot at what to do with my life, and I entered the seminary. They never threw me out!

Anything you’re particularly proud of? I’ve been teaching long enough that my students are beginning to join the workforce and are getting married. Some have even entered the seminary themselves. I’m so proud of the young women and men that they have become. I pray for them every day.

What advice would you offer other young professionals? Don’t waste time: realize now that your life is not about you. It’s your life, yes it is, but it’s not about you. We discover the meaning of our lives most truly when we find a way to serve, to give ourselves away in love.

What are you thankful for? My life as a priest has been blessed beyond the telling of it. I’ve been given terrific assignments in our North Dakota parishes and schools; I’ve been welcomed deeply into the lives of so many people. And along the way, I found out for sure that a priest lives every day. Some days are harder than others, but I live every day. So I’m thankful for the life that I’ve been given.

What do you see yourself doing in 10 years? In a few weeks I’ll begin my service as president of the University of Mary. For now, that’s plenty on my horizon!