Leadership

Meet Our Leadership

Richard J. Bautch, PhD 
Executive Director, The Holy Cross Institute | Professor in The School of Arts and Humanities 

Richard Bautch hails from the Chicago area and is a product of Holy Cross education (University of Notre Dame, MA and PhD). As an educator, his deepest roots are in Catholic high school teaching; Bautch taught English to sophomores and juniors for several years before going to graduate studies and focusing on Christianity and Judaism in antiquity. 

In addition to teaching at St. Edward’s University, Bautch has held leadership roles including department chair and associate dean in the School of Arts and Humanities. He has also been involved in the Southwest Commission on Religious Studies (chief executive, 2014–2018) and the Catholic Biblical Association (executive board, 2014–2016, 2018–present).

Bautch joined the HCI Board of Governors in 2019 and has served as its chair since 2020. As interim executive director, he now looks forward to collaborating closely with fellow leaders across the Holy Cross family in our institutions of secondary and higher education. “Our common aim,” Bautch said, “is to accomplish what Blessed Basil Moreau spoke of as ‘the successful cultivation of the Lord’s vineyard to which we have been called.’” Bautch has a special interest in Basil Moreau the Scripture scholar and enjoys researching this aspect of the founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross. Ave Crux, Spes Unica! 

Michael Glynn
Assistant Director, The Holy Cross Institute

Michael Glynn is a 2015 graduate of the University of Notre Dame with his B.A. in Economics and History. This exposure to Holy Cross education as a college student forged a deep appreciation for the Congregation of Holy Cross and its charisms — an appreciation that spurred his interest in joining the Holy Cross Institute once he learned of its presence at St. Edward’s University.

Michael joined the Holy Cross Institute in the summer of 2024 after nine years in higher education across three institutions. He spent six years at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth working in their undergraduate admission office. In this role he frequently met with students and parents, seeking to convey the ethos of the TCU community and serve as a resource throughout the application process. While at TCU, he also earned his MBA from the Neeley School of Business. Before joining the St. Edward’s community, Michael worked in the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin, focusing on the graduate admission process.

While in his final year at Notre Dame, Michael enrolled in a course called “Holy Cross Spirituality and Virtue.” This course provided a unique lens into the charism, lives and apostolates of Holy Cross. The course offered the chance to hear from over 25 different speakers about the role they each play in Holy Cross education, ministry and formation. From a deep dive into the life and writing of Blessed Basil Moreau with Kevin Grove, C.S.C. to Holy Cross parish ministry with (now Bishop of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee) Bill Wack, C.S.C., Michael savored the chance to hear from so many sources on how they carry out their role within Holy Cross. He looks forward to diving deeper into a professional life within Holy Cross, hoping to bring a zeal to those he interacts with both here on campus and throughout the greater Holy Cross community throughout the world.

Michael looks to make the most of his time in central Texas, visiting Texas towns near and far when his schedule allows for it. Around town, he is most likely found cycling around town, practicing yoga or going to one of his favorite coffee shops. 
 

Amberly Russell
Communications Manager, The Holy Cross Institute 

Amberly Russell is a seasoned digital content creator and marketing strategist with extensive experience in higher education, nonprofit, and corporate sectors. She specializes in managing cross-functional teams, developing comprehensive digital marketing strategies, and crafting compelling content that enhances engagement, drives lead generation, and strengthens brand presence.

With a strong background in digital media, Amberly has successfully led initiatives that expand audience reach and visibility, leveraging data-driven strategies to optimize campaign performance. Her passion for storytelling ensures that every message resonates with its intended audience and fosters meaningful connections.

Her global experiences—teaching English in Thailand and South Korea, serving in the Army in Germany, and traveling extensively—have enriched her perspective, deepened her cultural awareness, and strengthened her ability to collaborate across diverse teams. These experiences inform her approach to digital strategy, emphasizing inclusivity and impact.

Amberly was drawn to the Holy Cross Institute by its commitment to education, service, and values-driven leadership. She is inspired by its mission to cultivate compassionate and ethical leaders and is eager to amplify its message through innovative digital strategies that connect with students, educators, and the broader community.

In her free time, Amberly enjoys patio weather, live music and traveling to state and federal parks as well as the charming Texas Hill Country with her dog in tow.