Rev. Thomas E. Roach, S.J., who served as Secretary for Education for the Society of Jesus in Rome, has joined the University as Rector of the Jesuit Community at Scranton.  Fr. Roach succeeds Rev. George A. Aschenbrenner, S.J., who served as rector of the Scranton Jesuit Community since July of 2003. The University is grateful for the guidance provided by Father Aschenbrenner, thanks him for his service and wishes him well. The University is  also grateful to Rev. Herb Keller, S.J., for his service as Acting Rector since June 1. 

Many people will remember Fr. Roach from when he delivered the principal address at Scranton's  2008 Commencement. At that time, he also received an honorary degree from the University.

As Secretary for Education for the Society of Jesus, Fr. Roach was responsible for helping to implement the educational ministry of the Jesuits worldwide. Since 2001, he has been the Superior General’s liaison with the 3,888 Jesuit educational institutions worldwide, serving approximately 3 million students. 

During visits to Jesuit institutions across the globe, Fr. Roach has addressed the educational ministry of the Jesuits as one of “faith that does justice” and as one that faces many challenges that may impede fulfillment of this mission, including war and violence in some nations, secularism, institutional lethargy and financial constraints.

Fr. Roach was also among the delegates of the 35th General Congregation who in January of 2008 elected Rev. Adolfo Nicolas, S.J., as the Superior General of the Society of Jesus.

He served for 25 years in various administrative positions, including principal of St. Joseph’s Preparatory School in Philadelphia, assistant for secondary education for the Maryland Province, and headmaster and president of Georgetown Preparatory School in North Bethesda, Md.

He earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from St. Louis University, a Master of Divinity from Woodstock College in Maryland and a Master of Sacred Theology from Woodstock College in New York.

Fr. Roach serves on the Board of Trustees at Scranton Preparatory School.

Born in Baltimore, Md., he entered the Society of Jesus in 1957 and was ordained on June 6, 1970.