Saint Michael’s College establishes new Division of Edmundite Mission, names inaugural Vice President

A new division established at Saint Michael’s College will serve to uphold the legacy of the College’s founders, the Society of Saint Edmund, and ensure their mission and heritage remain central and relevant to the future of the College. 

Fr. David Theroux S.S.E. ’70, left, and Saint Michael’s College President Richard Plumb in August 2024. (Photo by Elizabeth Murray/Saint Michael’s College)

College President Richard Plumb, Ph.D., announced in July the establishment of the Division of Edmundite Mission and the Office of the Vice President of Edmundite Mission, with support from the Society of St. Edmund. In August, the Saint Michael’s College Board of Trustees approved the appointment of Fr. David Theroux S.S.E ’70 as the inaugural Vice President of Edmundite Mission.  

Theroux, who had retired from teaching Religious Studies in the spring of 2024, said he was surprised by Plumb’s selection but honored to be able to help lead the Edmundite mission at Saint Michael’s into the future in this way.  

“Catholic colleges are in such a state of flux, that maintaining the Catholicity has been a concern of ours, especially in our Society’s diminishment,” said Theroux, who celebrated his 50th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood this summer. 

He added, “Given the reality that we are so heavily non-Catholic in terms of the population of the school, both students and faculty and staff, we’re in a very pluralistic reality. What does it mean to be Catholic in that context, as a Catholic institution? That’s kind of the arena in which this is going to play itself out.”  

Theroux said he’s up for the challenge – and Plumb agrees.  

“Fr. David has an extensive career in both ministry and education, having served in Edmundite parishes and schools from England to Louisiana,” Plumb said in an August email to faculty and staff. “I am confident that Fr. David’s combination of leadership and experience in the church and in teaching – as well as his commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and peace and justice initiatives – will provide an excellent foundation for this new role and division.” 

A focus on mission 

As Vice President of Edmundite Mission, Theroux will oversee Campus Ministry, Mobilization of Volunteer Efforts (MOVE), the Institute for Equity and Justice, and the two Edmundite centers for Faith and Culture and for Peace and Justice. He will also serve on Plumb’s Cabinet.   

In Theroux’s experience, mission is where he has seen people from all backgrounds and religions find common ground. The Society of Saint Edmund has long championed service, social justice and access to education – missions that Theroux says have been meaningful throughout the Society’s existence and will carry through into the future of the College. Through these aspects, Theroux hopes the College can continue to celebrate people from all walks of life while still staying true to its roots.  

Fr. David Theroux, S.S.E., Director of the Edmundite Center for Peace and Justice, left, introduces Frank DeBernardo of New Ways Ministry during an event on April 10, 2024. (Photo by Elizabeth Murray/Saint Michael’s College)

“We’re not just catering to all Catholic students anymore as we used to in the past,” Theroux said. “We’re now in more missionary territory – and not in the sense that we’re trying to convert people to the Catholic Church. We are a presence in a very diverse population of people.” 

Theroux said he wants to embody Pope Francis’ notion of walking with people in terms of who they are – in other words, meeting people where they are at. In that sense, Theroux said, he can honor who people are while also bringing another perspective through Catholic teaching without imposing the Catholic faith on others.  

The new division will also focus on developing students into leaders in aspects related to the Edmundite mission. An example of this, Theroux said, is developing students into leaders who know how to confront inequity and injustice and who can ultimately help bring about positive change. 

“How can we make a better world?” Theroux said. “From my perspective, we commit ourselves as a College primarily to educating students so that they’re going to be better themselves and make a better world.”  

About Fr. David Theroux 

Theroux graduated from Saint Michael’s College in 1970, and he was ordained to the priesthood four years later. In addition to his undergraduate degree from Saint Michael’s, Theroux holds a Master of Divinity from the University of St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto in Canada (1975), a Master’s degree in Religious Studies from Loyola University in New Orleans (2000), and a Doctor of Education from the University of Phoenix in Arizona (2017). 

He has held both pastoral and teaching positions at Saint Michael’s College and throughout the U.S. and in England, including South Burlington, Vermont; Whitton, England; Mobile, Alabama; New Orleans, Louisiana; and Mystic, Connecticut. Theroux taught Religious Studies at Saint Michael’s from 2008 until his retirement from teaching in 2024.