Idea Exchange

It takes vision to advance all areas of Boston College. Learn about how University leaders shine bright and make an impact in theirs.


A woman with shoulder-length brown hair smiles at the camera, embodying the essence of patient care. She is wearing a dark blazer over a maroon top. The background shows blurred office items, including framed certificates, reflecting her dedication beyond the bedside.

Beyond the Bedside

Katherine Gregory knew nursing was her calling after caring for earthquake victims at the age of 13. Now as dean of the Connell School of Nursing, she’s leveraging her experience to deepen and expand the academic and formative education for tomorrow’s nurses.

A man in a suit, holding a paper, sits at a wooden table with another person. They are in an office with light-colored walls and a glass-paneled door in the background. The man smiles, appearing ever-engaged in excellent conversation.

Ever Excellent

Over a decade as provost and dean of faculties, David Quigley has left an indelible mark on a wide range of major academic initiatives. Here, he shares reflections on formative education and the pivotal role of faculty in it, the promise of Soaring Higher, and many more topics in between.

Father Erick Berrelleza S.J.

Leading from Experience

A conversation with Fr. Erick Berrelleza, a first-generation college student who’s now the founding dean of Messina College, BC’s bold new two-year associate’s degree program for underserved students.

Man on a Mission

By balancing Jesuit history with forward thinking, Dean Gregory Kalscheur, S.J., is leading Boston College’s biggest school toward a mission-driven future grounded in the liberal arts.

A woman holding a microphone and a folder radiates new energy as she speaks at an outdoor event. Dressed in a black dress and gray cardigan, she captivates the crowd. In the blurred background, several people in patterned dresses gather under a tent festooned with small flags.

A New Energy

Vice President for Student Affairs—and marathon runner—Shawna Cooper Whitehead brings fresh eyes to the Boston College experience, helping students achieve their full potential and get the most of their experience at the Heights.

A group of young adults in formal attire descends stone steps. They're led by a person holding a red banner. Steps are decorated with purple and gold ribbons. Lush greenery surrounds the area.

Incoming

As the new director of undergraduate admission of his alma mater, Grant Gosselin faces a shifting landscape of rising costs and increased need for financial aid, changing socio-economic demographics, and a high-profile college admission scandal—not to mention a once-in-a-century pandemic. One could understand why an admission director would head for cover. But not Grant Gosselin.

Joe Popolo and Jere Doyle came to Cadigan Alumni Center for a conversation and photo session in May 2019

The Whole Entrepreneur

We asked Joe ’89 and Chris Popolo, P’20, ’23, and Jere Doyle ’87, P’15, ’21, the Popolo Family Executive Director of the Edmund H. Shea Jr. Center for Entrepreneurship, for their two cents on how great ideas have changed the world.