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! 

AJ Valverde 

Communications Manager, The Holy Cross Institute 

AJ Valverde graduated from St. Edward’s University in December 2020 with his BA in Communication with a focus in advertising and public relations. He recently in May 2024, graduated St. Edward's University with a Master of Science in Digital Marketing and Data Analytics. During his undergraduate experience, he was involved in Campus Ministry, serving in many ways. One of his more impactful moments was participation in a service break experience during spring break 2019, in which he volunteered at St. Malachy Catholic School in Chicago, IL. He spent a year abroad in Angers, France, a 30-minute train ride west of Le Mans, France (the birthplace of Holy Cross). During his last semester, he did an independent study on the effects of Holy Cross on the St. Edward's campus in Austin, Texas. His research included reading various Holy Cross texts, interviews with students that came from Holy Cross high schools, and a trip to Sanctuaire du Bienheureux Basile Moreau Eglise Notre-Dame de Sainte-Croix where he interviewed Father Paul Elie, CSC.

Valverde was introduced to Holy Cross by Brother Larry Atkinson, CSC. who served as a mentor to him ever since he first stepped on campus freshman year. During his studies, he took a course with Brother Richard Daly, CSC, titled Catholic Social Teaching. The course was pivotal, leading him to join various social justice-driven organizations. During his last semester of college, Valverde served as executive director of Hilltoppers for Hilltoppers. H4H is a student philanthropy council that raises awareness for students gifting their time, talent and treasure.

Valverde’s love for The Congregation of Holy Cross runs deep. In his first months with our office, he launched a new social media channel, developed email campaigns, helped organize Convocation 2021, and more. AJ hopes to bring the Holy Cross Institute brand to an elevated level. His experience with social media, creative writing and project management will set up the HCI for further success.

In his free time, Valverde enjoys traveling, playing tennis, camping and spending time with friends and family.