A Conversation with President McKeegan

Get to know the 15th President of Mount Aloysius College, John N. McKeegan.

What drew you to Mount Aloysius College?

The Mount’s mission statement grabbed my attention, acting as an invitation to service and making a difference for individuals and communities. From my first visit to campus, I sensed that the campus community fully supported our special mission. Every day since then, I am inspired by the palpable dedication and passion of our faculty and staff for responding to students’ needs and preparing them for bright futures. Our graduates are imbued with key values of mercy, justice, service, and hospitality - in a time of national divisiveness, they will be community builders. I’ve also been blown away by the beauty of our campus, and its incredible technology, labs, and athletic facilities. This place and its people are incredible!

You started your presidency in June 2020 as a first-time president during a statewide pandemic shutdown.

My on-campus interview was just days before the COVID shutdown in March 2020. Putting it mildly, it has been a rather interesting time to acclimate! It has certainly helped that this is such a friendly area. Although many traditional, in-person encounters were initially postponed, Theresa and I found ways to connect with students, faculty, and staff in accordance with COVID protocols. We employed virtual gatherings to help build the sense of community through townhalls and livestreams. I used social media, community messages, and videos to share campus events and for folks to get to know me. Our community responded incredibly to the pandemic, and as in-person opportunities return, I look forward to more “personal” gatherings, as well as opportunities to meet more of our great alumni.

Tell us about your family.

Theresa and I married in 1992, and we were blessed with 6 children. Our daughter and youngest child, Mary, is a sophomore at a local high school. Her four oldest brothers are in various graduate programs (law school, medical school, or masters), while brother

Brendan is an undergrad. We’ve tried to emphasize faith, education, and fun (whether sports, music, or enjoying the outdoors). There’s nothing like getting the whole family together, particularly now that we have two fabulous granddaughters!

You’ve talked about the influence of your parents as mentors in your life. How has that affected your leadership?

My Dad and Mom grew up in depression-era Pittsburgh. They were both first-generation college students. They both became educators: Dad was a college professor, Mom a school teacher. The impact and value of education, and its power to transform families and communities, is a wonderful legacy. They were humble about success, grateful for the opportunity to make a difference for others, and emphasized giving one’s best effort, no matter the task, as a way of thanking God for the gifts and talents we receive.

What is your vision for MAC?

Like many other areas, COVID-19 disrupted all of higher education. In addition to daily operations, it added fuel to challenges that were already in place, such as declining enrollment, shifting demographics, mental health challenges for Gen Z, and the public perceptions of the ROI of a college education.

With that in mind, my vision for Mount Aloysius is centered around “Growing Greater.” Indeed, that’s the focus of our recently completed strategic plan. Small, private colleges which continue business as usual will struggle in the changed environment. To continue to thrive at the Mount, we must make bold choices and seize opportunities to expand our reach. We must, we can, and we will do all of this within the guidelines of our mission, which has helped to propel us throughout the College’s history.

You spent a large portion of your career in Oregon. Go Seahawks?

Seahawks? Never! As a lifelong Steelers, Pirates, and Pens fan, it’s great to be back in PA! That said, let’s shake down the thunder with my new favorite phrase: “Go Mounties!”

Below are some fun questions that President McKeegan answered as part of a “Get to Know You” video. Watch the whole thing at the link below.

HOMETOWN: Lewisburg, PA

HERITAGE: Irish

DEGREES: Law from Notre Dame, and English from Bucknell.

FAMILY: Large

FAVORITE MOVIE: Rudy or Casablanca

FAVORITE LOCATION ON CAMPUS: Either the Grotto, the Chapel, or the Hallways in Main.

MAC SHACK ORDER: The quesadilla with spinach, some form of protein, cheese, buffalo sauce, and a little mayo.

FAVORITE SOCIAL NETWORK: Instagram: @jmckeeg

BEST ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED: “Have a plan, consider alternatives.“

FAVORITE BAND: U2 and Bruce Springsteen

COOLEST THING YOU’VE EVER DONE: Marrying Theresa!