The Rev. James P. McCloskey

Since 2016, the Rev. James P. McCloskey, C.S.Sp., Ph.D., has worked on a variety of projects with President Ken Gormley and helps provide leadership in identifying institutional priorities and developing strategic planning for Duquesne. McCloskey also connects and collaborates with University leaders, faculty and staff, as well as community leaders in this capacity.

McCloskey helped create the Duquesne University Leadership Academy. The on-campus summer program in which Catholic high school students participate in challenging dialogue, workshops and trainings, as well as community-engaged and social activities to awaken and refine their leadership skills. In 2020, he began a four-year term on the 12-member Judicial Conduct Board of Pennsylvania, for which he was appointed by the state's Supreme Court.

He has enjoyed a close association with Duquesne for many years. In 2009, McCloskey was named inaugural Vice President for Mission and Identity, a role in which he developed the Center for Catholic Faith and Culture; played a key role in Duquesne's strategic emphasis on Africa and the African diaspora and chaired the President's Council for Diversity. He also served as Vice President for University Relations from 2002-2003, laying the groundwork for Duquesne's Advancing Our Legacy campaign.

In 2003, McCloskey was named Provincial Superior of the United States East Province for the Congregation of the Holy Spirit's (the Spiritans) before being elected the next year as Assistant Superior General in Rome. Ordained in 1980, McCloskey served as a missionary in Paraguay and was pastor of one of the first African American Catholic parishes in the Archdiocese of New York.

A member of the Duquesne University Corporation since 2013, McCloskey served on the University's board of directors from 2009-2013 and from 1994-2004. He was appointed secretary of the board in 2020. McCloskey also served as president of Holy Ghost Preparatory School in Bensalem, Pa., twice—from 2013-2015 and from 1990-2002.

McCloskey has a bachelor's degree in philosophy from the McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts and was inducted into the Century Club of Distinguished Duquesne University Alumni in 2013. In addition, he earned an M.Div. in mission specialization from the Catholic Theological Union; a Th.M. in theology from the Weston School of Theology; an M.Ed. in educational administration from Boston College; and a Ph.D. in education from Fordham University.