President Dr. Frank Lazarus

Dr. Frank Lazarus

In 1956, the University of Dallas was founded on freedom, faith and the classical curriculum of the great European universities. Today, 50 years later, we still hold true to those core values that reflect our commitment to Catholic values and to maintaining the highest academic standards.

The University of Dallas has developed a core curriculum of approximately twenty-three courses that is based on the "great books" and that specifically includes an in-depth study of western civilization. This is a very powerful curriculum taught by a faculty who are dedicated to the character of the University, who are active and productive scholars, and who teach their students in small sections with rigor, enthusiasm, and personal concern for each student. The quality of our faculty and students and the power of our curriculum led Phi Beta Kappa to grant a chapter to the University of Dallas in 1988, only thirty-three years after the University was founded. No college or university in the twentieth century moved from its founding to approval by Phi Beta Kappa more quickly than the University of Dallas. Few, if any, Catholic colleges can claim the level of academic quality that the University of Dallas has demonstrated and continues to maintain.

The University offers many activities that sustain and embody the strong Roman Catholic identity of the University of Dallas. The fundamental elements and history of the Catholic Intellectual Tradition are woven throughout the core curriculum. The University of Dallas is blessed with the presence of a full-time priest chaplain, and the University provides a rich sacramental life for its students. The Campus Ministry staff supports an active program of services to the disadvantaged in the Dallas community, the ministry of presence and counseling to individual students, and an ecumenical outreach to non-Catholic students and staff. Campus Ministry sponsors and supports the Alternative Spring Break program and a St. Vincent DePaul organization, as well as various formal and informal prayer groups.

Through the efforts of the Office of Student Life , students are given many opportunities to pursue special interests and to develop as leaders.. Programs such as the residence life program, the student activities programs, the Student Government Association, student clubs and organizations for all interests, and the athletic and recreation programs are all designed to provide students with healthy, wholesome, and enjoyable activities that enrich the collegiate experience.

The majority of our undergraduate students spend one semester on our beautiful campus near Rome, Italy. The Rome Semester is a life changing experience. Students experience the birthplaces of western civilization. They encounter the art and architecture that have inspired generations. They visit some of the most famous churches and most beautiful monuments of the Roman Catholic Church. Throughout this semester, the ideas of the core curriculum move from being words on paper to being thoughts and experiences integrated into their souls and lives.

The University of Dallas will remain vigilant in its commitment to the highest academic standards as we strive to provide an education of superior caliber. Whether you are a prospective student, alumnus, or long-time supporter of the University of Dallas, I would invite you to visit the campus, attend a class, meet our distinguished faculty, and see for yourself what makes the University of Dallas outstanding.

Sincerely,

Dr. Francis M. Lazarus
President