Archbishop Vásquez welcomes UST’s new president at inauguration Mass

Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez greets Sinda Vanderpool, Ph.D., after celebrating her installation Mass at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart on Nov. 20 in Houston. Vanderpool is the University of St. Thomas’ 10th president and the first woman in the role. (Photo by James Ramos/Herald)HOUSTON — Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez celebrated an Inauguration Mass for the newly installed president of the University of St. Thomas (UST), Sinda Vanderpool, Ph.D., at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart on Nov. 20 in Houston. 

The event also marked the 203rd anniversary of the Basilian Fathers’ founding in France, highlighting a moment of continuity and renewal that linked the Basilian legacy that shaped UST’s past with the leadership that will guide its future.

“We pray that the Holy Spirit will guide and lead Dr. Vanderpool and the entire university community in the years ahead,” Archbishop Vásquez, who is a 1980 graduate of UST, said. Vanderpool is UST’s 10th president and the first woman to assume the role. Officials and dignitaries attending included former UST president, Archbishop Emeritus J. Michael Miller, CSB, the consuls general of Ukraine and Israel, and the regional director from the U.S. Department of State.

Vanderpool, who grew up in Houston, brings more than 20 years of leadership in Catholic and Christian higher education, having served as president and vice-chancellor of St. Mary’s University in Calgary and at Baylor University. 

After her appointment as UST president in July, she hosted listening sessions with students, staff and faculty to help her understand UST’s community. A scholar of French literature with a Ph.D. from Princeton University and a B.A. from Davidson College, she said she plans to strengthen UST’s Catholic mission, expand academic and athletic excellence, build out student housing, increase community engagement and broaden access and opportunity for all students.

At the Mass, she compared herself to an orchestra conductor, with the whole community aligned for success.

“I celebrate the leaders who have come before me to lay the groundwork of dedication and sacrifice for the mission of this university,” Vanderpool said. “Thank you for entrusting me with this next phase of leadership for the University of St. Thomas.”

Founded in 1947 by the Basilian Fathers at the behest of Bishop Christopher Byrne, UST is the only Catholic university in the Archdiocese. Focused on Catholic liberal arts, the university has an enrollment of more than 3,700 students from 30 states and 61 countries. ​