Paul J. O'Reilly is an American scholar and academic who became the 5th president of Thomas Aquinas College on June 9, 2021.[1]

Paul J. O'Reilly
5th President of Thomas Aquinas College
Assumed office
June 9, 2021[1]
Preceded byMichael F. McLean
Personal details
Born1961 (age 62–63)
Belfast, Northern Ireland
SpousePeggy O'Reilly (née Steichen)
ResidenceOjai, California
Alma materThomas Aquinas College (B.A.)
Université Laval (M.A., Ph.D.)

Early life and education

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O'Reilly earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal arts from Thomas Aquinas College, and his Master of Arts in philosophy and Ph.D. in philosophy from Université Laval.[2]

O'Reilly grew up in war-torn Belfast during a period of political instability known as the Troubles.[3] The second of eight children, O'Reilly moved to Canada with his family when he was 16. Several months after moving to Canada, his mother was killed in a car accident. O'Reilly and his siblings were then adopted by their uncle and aunt who lived in California.[4]

Upon finishing high school, O'Reilly enrolled at Thomas Aquinas College, from which he graduated in 1984.[5] He then pursued graduate studies in philosophy at the Université Laval, earning his Ph.D. in philosophy in 1989.[6]

Prior to returning to Thomas Aquinas College as a professor, O'Reilly served as an instructor at St. Anselm College and as an adjunct lecturer at the Thomas More Institute.[2]

Thomas Aquinas College

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O'Reilly began teaching at Thomas Aquinas College in 1989. In 2011, he was named the college's vice president for Development, and was appointed to be Thomas Aquinas College's 5th president by the Board of Governors in 2021.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Dr Paul J. O'Reilly ('84) Named Next President of Thomas Aquinas College | Thomas Aquinas College". Thomas Aquinas College. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
  2. ^ a b ""Paul O'Reilly"". Thomas Aquinas College. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
  3. ^ "Thomas Aquinas College's Incoming President Discusses 'Engaging in a Life of Serious Intellectual Inquiry'". National Catholic Register. 28 July 2021. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
  4. ^ "Thomas Aquinas College administrator's life shaped by generosity rather than religious hostility". Ventura County Star. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
  5. ^ "New TAC president promises to 're-dedicate' school's mission". Angelus News. 24 October 2022. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
  6. ^ "Coming full circle". Legatus. Retrieved 31 July 2023.