University of St. Thomas (UST), the only Catholic university in Houston, formally installed Dr. Sinda K. Vanderpool as the university’s 10th president at a special Mass and installation ceremony on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025 at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Houston, Texas. The Mass and ceremony was followed by a celebratory brunch on the St. Thomas campus.
The Inauguration Mass and Installation Ceremony was on the 203rd anniversary of the Basilian Fathers’ founding in France. The alignment of these events underscores a moment of continuity and renewal, linking the Basilian legacy that shaped UST’s past with the leadership that will guide its future.
“Many ask me, ‘What is your vision for UST?’ And my short answer is to become a great Catholic university, known throughout the U.S., located right in the heart of Houston,” Dr. Vanderpool said on Friday. “I do see clearly and have great confidence that the University of St. Thomas will become a vibrant campus where faculty and students gather for enriching intellectual conversations regularly; where the art that adorns our spaces and the books we read together foster a lasting and living love of learning and spurn a deeper commitment to love and serve others.”
In May 1945, the Most Reverend Christopher E. Byrne, DD, Bishop of Galveston, announced that a Catholic university, named after Doctor of the Church St. Thomas Aquinas, would open its doors to students in September 1947. Since its founding, UST has embraced the rich history of the Congregation of St. Basil, striving to live out its charisms of goodness, discipline, knowledge, and community.
The Most Reverend Joe Vásquez, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and UST Class of 1980, presided over Friday’s installation Mass, and Dr. Vanderpool’s family, including her children and granddaughter, were gift bearers.
Dr. Vanderpool, who grew up in Houston and is UST’s first female president, brings more than 20 years of leadership in Catholic and Christian higher education, having served as President and Vice-Chancellor of St. Mary’s University in Calgary and previously at Baylor University. A scholar of French literature with a Ph.D. from Princeton University and a B.A. from Davidson College, her background complements this historic moment for the University.
During her first few months at UST, Dr. Vanderpool held a series of listening sessions, helping her to get to know her new community, from students to staff and faculty. She is leading efforts to strengthen the Catholic mission, expand academic excellence and broaden access and opportunity for all students – ushering the University into its next chapter with purpose and promise.
In her remarks Friday, Dr. Vanderpool likened her role as University President to that of an orchestra conductor, with the whole community aligned for success. She outlined a “multipronged approach” for UST that includes building out student housing, increasing community engagement and academic excellence, and continuing to win sports titles.
“I celebrate the leaders who have come before me to lay the groundwork of dedication and sacrifice for the mission of this university,” Dr. Vanderpool said. “Thank you for entrusting me with this next phase of leadership for the University of St. Thomas. I look to all of you for prayer, for your voice and for your sacrifice in the shared mission to meet the needs of all whom we serve – our students, parents and community.”
Other installation week events included a Presidential Picnic on Wednesday for the UST community followed that evening by a special dinner for Dr. Vanderpool hosted by the University of St. Thomas Board of Directors at La Colombe D’or Hotel.
Archbishop J. Michael Miller opened the evening in prayerful gratitude for the mission of UST and Dr. Vanderpool’s leadership. Board Chair Craig Jarchow gave a wonderful toast celebrating the future of UST and Dr. Vanderpool’s aptitude to lead this community. Dr. Vanderpool also offered her gratitude for the confidence in her in leading the next phase of the University.
On Thursday, the Allbritton Art Institute Ribbon Cutting was the highlight of UST’s Inauguration Week events celebrating Dr. Vanderpool. This special moment was the grand opening of the Allbritton Art Institute wing of Doherty Library, featuring a remarkable collection of 4,000 art history volumes. A delicious reception followed in the library lobby.
Attendees then enjoyed the Allbritton Art Institute Annual Lecture featuring Dr. Kimberly Jones, who presented on “The Radicality of Mary Cassatt.” Founded in 1997 by philanthropists Joe L. and Barbara Allbritton, the Allbritton Art Institute fosters the study and appreciation of art history, with a focus on impressionism and post-impressionism.
James Piccininni, UST Dean of Libraries, said this collaboration is simply outstanding.
“Our efforts to support education in the arts have been strengthened and enhanced with this collection. It is with gratitude that we announce the addition of this art book collection, knowing that there will be many students who will benefit from these resources, today, and for many years to come.”
The community looks forward to embracing Dr. Vanderpool’s leadership in the coming weeks, and Dr. Vanderpool is ready to lead with humility.
“I stand before you in deep humility seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit in my endeavors as President of University of St. Thomas,” she said in her address to the community following the inauguration. “Thank you once again for being here and for your confidence, for your prayers, and for your actions. Your presence is a gift. May God bless you and the greater UST community. … And may God bless the University of St. Thomas!”
To view the live stream of the Inauguration, visit UST’s YouTube channel.
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