Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is pleased to announce Christopher J. Beaudet, JCD, has been named vice president for University Relations, effective June 15.
Dr. Beaudet brings more than 20 years of experience in Catholic higher education, particularly in fundraising and development, articulating institutional mission and impact to inspire philanthropic investment, cultivating donor relationships, designing major gift strategies, crafting tailored and compelling communications, and leading large-scale capital campaigns that have generated more than $300 million in support.
He received his doctorate in canon law from the Catholic University of America. He has served in senior leadership positions at the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis and as vice rector for administration at the Saint Paul Seminary School of Divinity at the University of St. Thomas, where he coordinated the academic faculty and daily operations of the school. In addition to administration and advancement, he also served on the faculty of the Saint Paul Seminary School of Divinity as assistant professor of Canon Law.
Over the last decade, Dr. Beaudet has served on the executive leadership team with the Steier Group, a national Catholic fundraising and development firm, building relationships with dioceses, schools, parishes, and religious communities across the United States and Canada, and supervising teams of professionals in service to clients.
“Dr. Beaudet brings a unique blend of faith, academic excellence, and proven advancement leadership to Saint Mary’s University,” said university president, Father James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D. “His background in Catholic higher education, along with his expertise in administration, public relations roles, and institutional advancement, make him exceptionally qualified to step into the role of vice president for University Relations. I am confident that he will play an instrumental role in ensuring that Saint Mary’s — through our Lasallian Catholic mission to prepare ethical, service-driven leaders — will continue to thrive long into the future.”
“I consider it both an exciting challenge and a graced opportunity to collaborate closely with the president in advancing the university’s Catholic mission in the Lasallian tradition to awaken and nurture faith, to provide a superior education, and to empower learners to ethical lives of service and leadership,” said Dr. Beaudet. “I look forward to representing Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota regionally and nationally to alumni, benefactors, and the community at large, to discover more profoundly and support more intentionally such an inspiring mission.”
