Villanova University was founded in 1842 by the Order of Saint Augustine. To this day, Villanova’s Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition is the cornerstone of an academic community in which students learn to think critically, act compassionately and succeed while serving others. Villanova prepares students to become ethical leaders who create positive change everywhere life takes them.


The strength of the Villanova experience comes in part from the University’s welcoming community. All members are bonded together by a shared responsibility to uphold the ideals of Saint Augustine and let the principles of truth, unity and love guide their lives. The Villanova community helps students grow intellectually, professionally and spiritually, and challenges them to reach their full potential.


The University’s rigorous academic experience, rooted in the liberal arts, forms an environment in which students and professors are partners in learning. The Villanova community is dedicated to providing a personalized experience that fosters every student’s intellectual and spiritual well-being. As part of their education, students are encouraged to enrich their own lives by working for those in need. Through academic and service programs, students use their knowledge, skills and compassion to better the world around them.


There are more than 10,000 undergraduate, graduate and law students in the University’s six colleges—the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Villanova School of Business, the College of Engineering, the College of Nursing, the College of Professional Studies and the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law. These colleges are the setting for an experience that develops both the heart and the mind, and creates the atmosphere where students are called to ignite change.


Villanova University is located in a suburban community 12 miles west of Philadelphia, Pa.

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Received from Pope Francis in 2018 for "Outstanding Contributions to Catholic Higher Education."

Cross Pro Pontifice et Ecclesia

The Providential Failure of Christianity: Rene Girard, Ivan Illich and the Renewal of Apocalyptic Theology

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Church History: Faith Handed On (Catholic Basics: A Pastoral Ministry Series)

Augustine and Politics (Augustine in Conversation: Tradition and Innovation)

Augustine and Liberal Education (Augustine in Conversation: Tradition and Innovation)

Constructing Antichrist: Paul, Biblical Commentary, and the Development of Doctrine in the Early Middle Ages

Dr. Kevin Hughes is Professor of Historical Theology at Villanova, appointed in both the Humanities and Theology departments. Teaching at the University since 1997, he regularly instructs courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. 

Dr. Hughes specializes in Catholic theology and culture, with scholarly interests in art, architecture, poetry, mysticism and spirituality. His studies have focused in particular on the Middle Ages and on 20th-century Catholic theological renewal movements. Beyond his research, Dr. Hughes is a widely sought-after speaker in both academic and pastoral settings on topics in Christian spirituality, Catholic higher education and interreligious dialogue; and he frequently comments on subjects relating to Catholicism and contemporary culture.

Pope Leo XIV

Pope Francis

St. Augustine

Ressourcement Theology

Ancient and Medieval Theology and Spirituality

Art, Literature and Theology

The Church in Public Life

Faculty Profile

ResearchGate Page

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Pope Leo Promotes a Global Vision in Africa

100 Days of Pope Leo XIV: A Calm Papacy That Avoids Polemics Is Coming Into Focus

"We Are Really Enjoying This Moment": Villanova Professor on Graduate Becoming Pope

From Villanova to the Vatican: Alma Mater Is Floored It Taught the First U.S. Pope

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Professor of Historical Theology; Chairperson, Theology and Religious Studies | College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

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