Introduction to St. John’s President Rev. Brian J. Shanley
St. John’s University president Rev. Brian J. Shanley was named the chair of the Big East Conference board of directors on Monday, the school announced. Shanley was elected to the position last week at the Big East board of directors meeting, which is comprised of the 11 presidents of the conference’s schools, in New York. He began his two-year stint at the position on June 30.
Reaction to the Appointment
“I am grateful and excited to serve as Chair of the Big East board of directors and build on the accomplishments of my predecessor, Rev. Daniel S. Hendrickson, S.J., Ph.D,” Shanley said. “These are challenging and exciting times in the ever-changing landscape of collegiate athletics. With the rich Big East history, a global brand, and our proven record as a competitive and visionary conference, there are only growth opportunities for our basketball-centric conference now and in the future.”
Background on Rev. Brian J. Shanley
Shanley took over as president of St. John’s in 2021 as the Queens school’s 18th president after 15 years at the helm of another Big East school, Providence College.
“We look forward to working with Father Shanley in his capacity as newly elected Chair of the Big East board of directors, a leadership role for which he’s perfectly suited,” Big East commissioner Val Ackerman said. “His decades-long experience in higher education, his acute understanding of the values of the conference and our schools, and his commitment to continued Big East success in the sport of basketball will be invaluable as we navigate the shifting terrain in our operating environment.”
Recent Success of St. John’s Men’s Basketball
Under Shanley’s watch, the St. John’s men’s basketball program has reached heights unseen since the 1980s, which was sparked by the hiring of Hall-of-Fame coach Rick Pitino two years ago. The Red Storm are coming off their best season in 40 years, winning the Big East regular season and Tournament crown, while punching its ticket to the NCAA Tournament as a No. 2 seed.
Mar 15, 2025; New York, NY, USA; St. John’s Red Storm with the Big East trophy after winning the Big East Championship against the Creighton Bluejays at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
Conclusion
The appointment of Rev. Brian J. Shanley as the chair of the Big East Conference board of directors is a significant development for St. John’s University and the Big East Conference. With his experience and leadership, the conference is expected to continue to grow and succeed in the ever-changing landscape of collegiate athletics.
FAQs
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Q: Who is the new chair of the Big East Conference board of directors?
A: Rev. Brian J. Shanley, president of St. John’s University.
Q: When did Shanley begin his two-year stint as chair?
A: June 30.
Q: What is Shanley’s background?
A: Shanley took over as president of St. John’s in 2021 and previously served as the president of Providence College for 15 years.
Q: How has the St. John’s men’s basketball program performed under Shanley’s watch?
A: The program has reached heights unseen since the 1980s, winning the Big East regular season and Tournament crown, and punching its ticket to the NCAA Tournament as a No. 2 seed.
