Jack Curran, FSC, PhD., KHS
A native of Troy, New York, Brother Jack is a member of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. He returned to Bethlehem University in the Holy Land in January 2024 to serve as Vice President for Advancement, a position he previously held for a decade from 2003 to 2013.
As Vice President for Academics, Brother Jack is responsible for leading and coordinating efforts to support and enhance the mission of Bethlehem University by engaging with individuals, foundations, government, and private philanthropic organizations to secure financial support for the University’s mission and goals
During his tenure at Bethlehem University, Brother Jack successfully established an advancement office in the United States and led comprehensive fundraising campaigns and cultivated relationships with philanthropic organizations worldwide. His commitment to advancing education in Palestine earned him induction into the Vatican’s Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem.
In addition to serving at Bethlehem University, throughout his career, Brother Jack has held various leadership roles at Manhattan College and Saint Mary’s College of California. At Manhattan College, he served as Vice President for Mission, where he played a pivotal role in promoting the college’s Lasallian Catholic identity and overseeing strategic initiatives. He facilitated the annual Mission Month celebrations and spearheaded efforts to establish academic partnerships with international institutions, fostering global collaboration and exchange.
Brother Jack’s contributions extend beyond his administrative roles, as evidenced by his active involvement in professional associations and scholarly publications. He has authored papers on topics ranging from racial justice to Lasallian heritage, demonstrating his dedication to academic inquiry and social engagement. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Brother Jack is deeply committed to his spiritual development, having undertaken sabbaticals and retreats focused on contemplation, renewal, and mission. His holistic approach to education reflects a profound understanding of the interconnectedness of intellectual, emotional, and spiritual growth.
Brother Jack’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Physics and Religious Studies from Manhattan College, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude and was inducted into prestigious honor societies such as Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Pi Sigma. Following his undergraduate studies, he pursued further education at the State University of New York at Albany, earning a Master of Social Work degree and later a Doctorate in Social Work. His doctoral dissertation, titled “An Exploratory Study of College Student Help-Seeking Behavior,” explored the utilization of university-based peer-operated telephone hotlines, with implications for enhancing campus counseling services and student retention.
Email: jcurran@bethlehem.edu
Office: DLS-213-D
Ext: 2265