Marquette names Rev. James Voiss, S.J., as next vice president for mission and ministry

Oct. 3, 2019

Father James VoissMILWAUKEE — Marquette President Michael R. Lovell today announced that Rev. James K. Voiss, S.J., has been named the university’s new vice president for mission and ministry. Father Voiss, who succeeds acting Vice President Rev. Frederick Zagone, S.J., will begin in his new role Jan. 2, 2020 — he will move to Milwaukee to begin the transition this fall semester.

A 30-year higher education veteran, Father Voiss joins Marquette from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, where he has served as rector of the Jesuit community since 2014. He also served as assistant vice president for mission at Gonzaga from 2013-16.

“Father Voiss’ keen understanding of Catholic, Jesuit higher education in a modern context, combined with his longtime experience as a pastoral leader, makes him the ideal individual to help move Marquette University forward in ways that stay true to its mission,” President Lovell said. “I am looking forward to seeing the many creative, collaborative ways he and the Office of Mission and Ministry will engage with students, faculty and staff across the university.”

“I am at once humbled and excited to serve the Marquette community, that together we may continue to strengthen and advance the university’s Catholic, Jesuit mission,” Father Voiss said. “If the mission of Catholic higher education in the Jesuit tradition is to continue, it will require creative, collaborative leadership—something I will be deeply committed to at Marquette.”

Prior to his time at Gonzaga, Father Voiss spent 14 years at Saint Louis University as an associate professor of theology, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses. He holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Gonzaga; a Master of Divinity degree and a Licentiate in Sacred Theology from the Weston School of Theology in Cambridge, Massachusetts; and a master’s and a Ph.D. in theology from the University of Notre Dame.

Author of the book Rethinking Christian Forgiveness: Theological, Philosophical, And Psychological Explorations, Father Voiss delivered the opening lecture of the same name at Marquette’s 2014 Mission Week.

About Christopher Stolarski


Christopher Stolarski

Chris is an associate director of university communication in the Office of University Relations. Contact Chris at (414) 288-1988 or christopher.stolarski@marquette.edu.