Dr. Richard A. DeGraff

First Lay President of Thomas More College (1971-1978)

Before joining Thomas More College, Dr. DeGraff’s career spanned two decades in Catholic higher education and institutional advancement. He served as Director of Development at DePaul University (1962–1966) and the University of Chicago (1966–1968), then as Dean of Academic Affairs at St. Procopius College in Lisle, Illinois (1968–1971). His administrative style emphasized academic rigor, mission-centered leadership, and the integration of liberal learning with Christian values. Throughout his early career, Dr. DeGraff gained a strong reputation for combining academic innovation with financial stewardship, preparing him for the challenges of leading a growing Catholic liberal arts institution. 

Appointed in April 1971 as the first lay president of Thomas More College, Dr. DeGraff led the institution through a period of transformation amid financial and cultural shifts within Catholic higher education. He prioritized strengthening Catholic identity, expanding academic offerings, and securing external funding for innovation. During his presidency, he obtained multiple major grants that advanced curriculum development, faculty research, and community engagement.  Dr. DeGraff’s leadership marked a turning point for Thomas More, blending administrative modernization with renewed emphasis on mission and service. His commitment to programmatic growth and federal funding positioned the college as a competitive liberal arts institution within the region. 

Dr. DeGraff believed education was a moral and spiritual vocation guided by Christian principles and intellectual rigor. He viewed Catholic liberal arts education as a means to develop both intellect and character, encouraging students and faculty to pursue excellence through service and faith. His leadership emphasized collaboration, transparency, and the belief that academic institutions should form both moral and intellectual citizens. In a time of national and ecclesial change, he maintained that Thomas More’s mission must remain centered on “truth, discipline, and Christian values.” 

Dr. DeGraff’s presidency marked an important stage in the evolution of Thomas More College as an independent Catholic liberal arts institution. Under his leadership, the College strengthened its academic offerings, expanded external funding, and reaffirmed its commitment to the integration of faith, learning, and service. His strategic vision positioned the institution for continued growth and academic development throughout the 1980s.