Carl Starkloff, S.J., will bring his diverse cultural experiences and an extensive background in teaching and ministry into his new position as vice president for University Mission and Ministry at Saint Louis University.

“I decided to come back to St. Louis for two reasons,” Starkloff said. “I have a great admiration for SLU, and I wanted to return to my hometown. My original purpose was to assist in the Institute of Jesuit Sources as an associate editor.”

Starkloff is a graduate of St. Louis University High School and SLU. He holds a master’s degree from SLU in modern European history and a doctorate from the University of Ottawa in canada in systematic theology.

As a young Jesuit, Starkloff was assigned to the Wind River Native American reservation in Riverton, Wyo., where he was a teacher and pastor at St. Stephen’s Indian Mission. He served as a chaplain for two years at Haskell American Indian College in Kansas.

At Regis College (Jesuit School of Theology) in Toronto, Starkloff taught a variety of courses in theology, ministry and culture.

He continues to teach a graduate-level course there, which requires a few days per semester.

Starkloff has published a number of articles and books. He is currently finishing two books. Common Testimony addresses the 18th century work of a Jesuit missionary and A Theology of the In-Between is a study of syncretism and focuses on the influence different religions have on each other.

Starkloff currently works at the Institute of Jesuit Sources and also teaches part time in the department of theology. He will be teaching graduate-level courses next year, including Theology of God in the fall and Church: Mission in Culture in the spring

Starkloff will begin his new position on July 1.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Starkloff said regarding his position. “I think it is a very exciting job to do here at SLU.”

In his monthly message, University President Lawrence Biondi, S.J., stated, “I know that we will all benefit from his wisdom, deep faith and commitment to the Jesuit mission.”

Starkloff believes that his main task will be facilitating the ministry already existing at SLU and therefore does not bring an agenda to the job. He has an interest in the relationship between spiritual life and the way courses are taught, and in the interaction of faith and culture.

“I believe the faith life in the University relates to the way we teach,” Starkloff added. “A Catholic university has as its calling the work of constant integration between learning and spirituality.”

When asked if he has a favorite motto, Starkloff noted the motto of the Society of Jesus, AMDG – Latin for “to the greater glory of God.”

Among his favorite sayings is the Serenity prayer, which is one he thinks that everyone should keep in mind: “God grant me the courage to change the things I can change, the patience to accept the things I cannot change, and the wisdom to know the difference.