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Meet Our Leadership

Richard J. Bautch, PhD 
Executive Director, The Holy Cross Institute | Professor in The School of Arts and Humanities 

Richard Bautch hails from the Chicago area and is a product of Holy Cross education (University of Notre Dame, MA and PhD). As an educator, his deepest roots are in Catholic high school teaching; Bautch taught English to sophomores and juniors for several years before going to graduate studies and focusing on Christianity and Judaism in antiquity. 

In addition to teaching at St. ����ɲ�����’s University, Bautch has held leadership roles including department chair and associate dean in the School of Arts and Humanities. He has also been involved in the Southwest Commission on Religious Studies (chief executive, 2014–2018) and the Catholic Biblical Association (executive board, 2014–2016, 2018–present).

Bautch joined the HCI Board of Governors in 2019 and has served as its chair since 2020. As interim executive director, he now looks forward to collaborating closely with fellow leaders across the Holy Cross family in our institutions of secondary and higher education. “Our common aim,” Bautch said, “is to accomplish what Blessed Basil Moreau spoke of as ‘the successful cultivation of the Lord’s vineyard to which we have been called.’” Bautch has a special interest in Basil Moreau the Scripture scholar and enjoys researching this aspect of the founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross. Ave Crux, Spes Unica! 

Michael Glynn
Assistant Director, The Holy Cross Institute

Michael Glynn is a 2015 graduate of the University of Notre Dame with his B.A. in Economics and History. This exposure to Holy Cross education as a college student forged a deep appreciation for the Congregation of Holy Cross and its charisms — an appreciation that spurred his interest in joining the Holy Cross Institute once he learned of its presence at St. ����ɲ�����’s University.

Michael joined the Holy Cross Institute in the summer of 2024 after nine years in higher education across three institutions. He spent six years at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth working in their undergraduate admission office. In this role he frequently met with students and parents, seeking to convey the ethos of the TCU community and serve as a resource throughout the application process. While at TCU, he also earned his MBA from the Neeley School of Business. Before joining the St. ����ɲ�����’s community, Michael worked in the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin, focusing on the graduate admission process.

While in his final year at Notre Dame, Michael enrolled in a course called “Holy Cross Spirituality and Virtue.” This course provided a unique lens into the charism, lives and apostolates of Holy Cross. The course offered the chance to hear from over 25 different speakers about the role they each play in Holy Cross education, ministry and formation. From a deep dive into the life and writing of Blessed Basil Moreau with Kevin Grove, C.S.C. to Holy Cross parish ministry with (now Bishop of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee) Bill Wack, C.S.C., Michael savored the chance to hear from so many sources on how they carry out their role within Holy Cross. He looks forward to diving deeper into a professional life within Holy Cross, hoping to bring a zeal to those he interacts with both here on campus and throughout the greater Holy Cross community throughout the world.

Michael looks to make the most of his time in central Texas, visiting Texas towns near and far when his schedule allows for it. Around town, he is most likely found cycling around town, practicing yoga or going to one of his favorite coffee shops. 
 

AJ Valverde 
Communications Manager, The Holy Cross Institute 

AJ Valverde graduated from St. ����ɲ�����’s University in December 2020 with his BA in Communication with a focus in advertising and public relations. He recently in May 2024, graduated St. Edward's University with a Master of Science in Digital Marketing and Data Analytics. During his undergraduate experience, he was involved in Campus Ministry, serving in many ways. One of his more impactful moments was participation in a service break experience during spring break 2019, in which he volunteered at St. Malachy Catholic School in Chicago, IL. He spent a year abroad in Angers, France, a 30-minute train ride west of Le Mans, France (the birthplace of Holy Cross). During his last semester, he did an independent study on the effects of Holy Cross on the St. Edward's campus in Austin, Texas. His research included reading various Holy Cross texts, interviews with students that came from Holy Cross high schools, and a trip to Sanctuaire du Bienheureux Basile Moreau Eglise Notre-Dame de Sainte-Croix where he interviewed Father Paul Elie, CSC.

Valverde was introduced to Holy Cross by Brother Larry Atkinson, CSC. who served as a mentor to him ever since he first stepped on campus freshman year. During his studies, he took a course with Brother Richard Daly, CSC, titled Catholic Social Teaching. The course was pivotal, leading him to join various social justice-driven organizations. During his last semester of college, Valverde served as executive director of Hilltoppers for Hilltoppers. H4H is a student philanthropy council that raises awareness for students gifting their time, talent and treasure.

Valverde’s love for The Congregation of Holy Cross runs deep. In his first months with our office, he launched a new social media channel, developed email campaigns, helped organize Convocation 2021, and more. AJ hopes to bring the Holy Cross Institute brand to an elevated level. His experience with social media, creative writing and project management will set up the HCI for further success.

In his free time, Valverde enjoys traveling, playing tennis, camping and spending time with friends and family.