Past Directors
From 1946 until the present, directors of the Medieval Institute have served in the combined roles of teacher, scholar, administrator, and, until 2015, graduate studies program director. The founder and the permanent directors of the Institute (with their years of directorial service) are listed below. Robert M. Conway, University of Notre Dame trustee and Medieval Institute benefactor, endowed the directorship in 1998 and it has been a named position since then.
Jeff Wickes: 2025–26
Associate Professor, Department of Theology
Robert M. Conway Director, Medieval Institute
Thomas E. Burman: 2017–25
Professor, Department of History
Robert M. Conway Director, Medieval Institute
John Van Engen: 2014–16
Professor, Department of History
Robert M. Conway Director, Medieval Institute
Olivia Remie Constable: 2008–14
Professor, Department of History
Robert M. Conway Director, Medieval Institute
Thomas F.X. Noble: 2000–08
Professor, Department of History
Robert M. Conway Director, Medieval Institute
Patrick J. Geary: 1998–2000
Professor, Department of History
Robert M. Conway Director, Medieval Institute
John Van Engen: 1985–98
Professor, Department of History
Director, Medieval Institute
Ralph M. McInerny: 1978–85
Grace Professor of Medieval Studies
Professor, Department of Philosophy
Director, Medieval Institute
Jeffrey Burton Russell: 1975–77
Grace Professor of Medieval Studies
Professor, Department of History
Director, Medieval Institute
Rt. Rev. Astrik L. Gabriel, O.Praem.: 1952–75
Director, Medieval Institute
Rev. Gerald B. Phelan: 1946–52
Professor of Philosophy
Director, Medieval Institute
Rev. Philip S. Moore, C.S.C.: Founder
Professor of Mediaeval Studies
Professor, Department of Philosophy
Dean, Graduate School