St. John’s University President Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., has been appointed as the Chair of the BIG EAST Conference Board of Directors, starting his two-year term on June 30, 2025. Fr. Shanley takes over from Creighton University President Rev. Daniel S. Hendrickson, S.J., Ph.D.
The BIG EAST Board consists of presidents from the league’s 11 member institutions. “We look forward to working with Fr. Shanley in his capacity as newly elected Chair of the BIG EAST Board of Directors—a leadership role for which he’s perfectly suited,” stated BIG EAST Commissioner Val Ackerman. She emphasized his extensive experience in higher education and understanding of conference values.
Fr. Shanley’s career includes a 15-year tenure as President of Providence College and over 20 years in leadership roles that have contributed to the growth of the BIG EAST Conference.
Ed Kull, St. John’s Vice President and Director of Athletics, expressed enthusiasm about Fr. Shanley’s new role: “We’re thrilled to have President Shanley’s leadership and experience representing St. John’s University as the Chair of the BIG EAST Board of Directors.”
Fr. Shanley’s connection to the BIG EAST dates back to its founding when his father’s firm helped name the conference in 1979.
Currently serving as St. John’s University’s 18th President since 2021, Fr. Shanley also holds positions on boards related to Catholic colleges and universities.
The BIG EAST Conference was established in 1979 and is headquartered in New York City, with members located across major media markets including Butler University, Georgetown University, and Villanova University among others.
