Congratulations Father Jose Ignacio Badenes

Apr. 13, 2026

Dear Faculty, 

I want to publicly congratulate José Ignacio Badenes, S.J., who has been appointed as the next rector of the Jesuit Community at Loyola Marymount University, and express gratitude for his many years of service in the Provost's Office. Since his arrival at LMU in 1996, Father Badenes has been a steadfast advocate for academic standards and student success, equitable access for all students, mission-driven curricular and co-curricular engagement, and institutional collaboration.

In 2018, while serving as professor of Spanish, he was appointed associate provost for Undergraduate Education. In that role, he oversaw the Core Curriculum, Honors Program, Academic Resource Center, Disability Support Services, the Romo and Cabrini Justice Center, and academic integrity through the academic honesty policy. Across this portfolio, he focused on strengthening the undergraduate curriculum, deepening mission integration, advancing academic policy, developing programs serving underrepresented student populations, improving cross-unit coordination, and fostering emerging academic strategy. Father Badenes provided stable leadership during periods of faculty leadership transition and partnered closely with faculty colleagues to introduce major reforms to the university Core Curriculum, including the implementation of the Experiential Learning for Mission (ELM) requirement. He also co-chaired a university task force of faculty and staff that worked to expand student access to high-impact practices (HIPs).

When he became vice provost for Academic Programs in 2024, Father Badenes co-led and substantively shaped LMU’s first coordinated institutional response to generative artificial intelligence. He supported innovation in graduate programs, and, as senior international officer, coordinated initiatives to advance global education. He also participated in the inaugural Ignatian Executive Leadership Academy (IELA), an AJCU-sponsored program for senior leaders at Jesuit universities. Father Badenes became a trusted advisor to Provost Poon and later to me on matters of academic program governance, curricular quality, and university-wide academic strategy. He is widely esteemed for his judgment, collaborative leadership style, and capacity to guide complex initiatives requiring faculty buy-in, ethical clarity, and institutional alignment. Across all these roles, Father Badenes has consistently modeled cura personalis, authenticity, discernment, and accompaniment. His efforts have not only streamlined and strengthened institutional processes, but also fostered consensus around shared, mission-centered values, and the formation of students of “well-educated solidarity.”

Please join me in expressing our deepest gratitude to Father Badenes for his many years of faithful service to Loyola Marymount University. His wisdom and steadfast commitment to our mission have enriched our community. As he steps into his new role as Rector of the Jesuit community at LMU, I invite you to join me in congratulating him and offering your support. We look forward to continuing to work alongside him in this important capacity.

Sincerely,

Kat

Kathleen Weaver, Ph.D.
Executive Vice President and Provost
Professor of Biology