05/22/2026
Together, with the community, we mourn the loss of Reverend James C. Carter, S.J., Ph.D., Loyola's longest-serving president and one of the most influential leaders in our history.
Loyola University New Orleans mourns the passing of Reverend James C. Carter, S.J., Ph.D., the longest-tenured president in the university’s history, serving graciously for 21 years.
Father Jim Carter, S.J. spent 75 years as a member of the Loyola community, first as a student, then as a physics professor, before joining the university's administrative staff. He served as president from 1974 to 1995, and rejoined the Wolf Pack as pastoral minister and part-time science, religion and physics teacher in 2004. His course, “Faith, Science and Religion,” became one of the university’s most popular classes, as Father Carter, well into his 90s, continued to inspire students with his wisdom, humor, and curiosity.
Known for his teaching and commitment to making education accessible to all, Father Carter transformed Loyola from a commuter school into the iconic campus footprint the Loyola community enjoys today. He is fondly remembered by students and staff for his wisdom, humility, sincerity, civic service, and sense of humor.
Reflecting on his presidency years later, Father Carter said, “The thing that meant the most to me was the effort to maintain our Jesuit and Catholic identity.”
Father Jim Carter, S.J., embodied the very spirit of Loyola, and his legacy will continue to shape the university for generations to come.
Thank you, Father Carter, for your devotion to the Wolf Pack and to a life of service and faith.
Read more at: https://www.loyno.edu/news/may-22-2026_loyola-university-new-orleans-mourns-passing-president-emeritus-reverend-james-c