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Background

Fr. Kilian served as Interim Co-President of ÁùºÏ²Ê¿â's University until the new president assumed the role in July 2024. He is a member of St. Martin’s Abbey, professor of English, Theology and Religious Studies at ÁùºÏ²Ê¿â, former director of the University’s Spiritual Life Institute, and current Vice President of Mission Integration.

Originally from Manhattan, New York, Fr. Kilian came to ÁùºÏ²Ê¿â's in 1953 as a boarding student in the ÁùºÏ²Ê¿â’s High School. His parents were strong believers not only in the importance of a college education for their children, but also a Catholic education based in the liberal arts tradition that cultivated independent thinking that frees one from narrowmindedness and gullibility, an education that turns one toward the needs of others.  For Fr. Kilian, ÁùºÏ²Ê¿â's is a family affair: two brothers and two nieces have graduated from ÁùºÏ²Ê¿â's University and three cousins from ÁùºÏ²Ê¿â's High School. Fr. Kilian graduated from ÁùºÏ²Ê¿â's University (then ÁùºÏ²Ê¿â’s College) in 1964 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Literature and continued his studies through the years in Wisconsin, Canada, England, Berkeley and at the Weston Theological University in Boston.

Accomplishments: Professionally, Fr. Kilian has held several leadership positions at ÁùºÏ²Ê¿â’s including University registrar, dean of men, dean of students, director of residence, director of Campus Ministry, chair of the English department and chair of Religious Studies, and as of this past year, Vice President of Mission Integrity. Fr. Kilian has also served as a member of the Personnel Board for the Catholic Arch Diocese of Seattle and the President's Council; and is a member of the Society of Fellows and the MLA. Most recently, Fr. Kilian was appointed to the ÁùºÏ²Ê¿â's University Board of Trustees and served as the University Interim Co-President.