Max Bonilla, SSL, STD, an experienced Catholic higher education administrator in both the U.S. and Europe, has been named provost and dean of faculties at Saint Mary’s, effective Feb. 1.
Dr. Bonilla comes to Saint Mary’s after serving as the international director for the Expanded Reason Institute for the University Francisco de Vitoria in Madrid, Spain, a role he has served in since 2018. Between 2012 and 2018, he also served the university as vice president for international relations and as a professor. Prior to University Francisco de Vitoria, he worked in a number of academic administrative and teaching roles at Catholic University of Avila, Spain, Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio, and the University of St. Thomas School of Theology in Houston, Texas.
He graduated from the Institute for Educational Management of Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education in 2007. He received an advanced degree from the Gregorian University in Rome, Italy, with a doctorate in Biblical Theology (STD) in 2000. He also received a licentiate in Sacred Scriptures (SSL) from Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome in 1996.
“Saint Mary’s, like most higher education institutions, is facing significant industry change and challenge, and we are fortunate to find a leader who has a demonstrated track record of innovative thinking that has advanced and helped stabilize several institutions,” Father James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D., said. “I am confident he will elevate the reputation and recognition of our academic programs on a regional and national level, and most importantly, he has expressed how deeply he values and relates to our mission and our Lasallian Catholic heritage.”
“I am motivated by and fully support the university’s strategic plans and look forward to maintaining the student-centered, outcomes-focused approach for which Saint Mary’s is known,” Dr. Bonilla said. “I am eager to contribute my energy and talents to advance Saint Mary’s.”
Matt Gerlach, Ph.D., has served as the interim provost and dean of faculties since last spring and will be returning to the position of vice president of Character, Virtue, and Ethics, which he was hired for in August 2021. Dr. Gerlach has worked tirelessly to support the teams working on implementation plans at the undergraduate level, including for the soon-to-be announced general education program and the teach-out plans, to ensure each student has a positive academic experience at Saint Mary’s.
