Learn more about University Ministry
Along with University Chaplains, University Ministers promote the well-being of USD student athletes and support their holistic development, encouraging them to thrive in mind, body and spirit. They are available to meet with student athletes interested in spiritual guidance, reflecting on where God is moving in their lives, or in need of support during a difficult or stressful moment.
- PhD, University of San Diego, Leadership Studies
- MBA, Santa Clara University, Business Administration
- MDiv, Jesuit School of Theology, Divinity
- BSBA, John Carroll University, Finance
Michael Lovette-Colyer, Ph.D., began his service as Vice President for Mission Integration on July 1, 2021. As Vice President, Dr. Lovette-Colyer leads the division of Mission Integration in its work of collaborating with all members of the university community to weave the mission, vision and values of the institution into every aspect of campus life.Â
Dr. Lovette-Colyer joined the USD community in 2007 as the Director of University Ministry and in 2011 he was promoted to Assistant Vice President of Mission and Ministry. Under his capable leadership the University Ministry team focused on creating dynamic faith formation opportunities that speak to the questions, interests and needs of millennial and generation Z students. Moreover, Michael greatly enhanced the university’s immersion and community engagement offerings, especially through partnerships in San Diego and Tijuana. He has collaborated with many departments across campus and served on various university-wide committees all of which have helped to elevate USD’s Catholic identity. Examples of this service include his service on the Envisioning 2024 Steering Committee and his service as a co-chair of the Student Success Committee.
Dr. Lovette-Colyer earned his undergraduate degree from John Carroll University, a Master of Divinity degree from the Jesuit School of Theology, a Master of Business Administration degree from Santa Clara University and his Ph.D. from the University of San Diego. For many years, he served as an adjunct faculty member in USD’s Department of Theology and Religious Studies teaching Introduction to Catholic Theology. In recent semesters, Michael has taught graduate courses in the School of Leadership and Educational Sciences including Leadership and Organizational Change, Leadership and Spirituality and Ethical Leadership for Global Social Justice.
Prior to joining USD, Dr. Lovette-Colyer worked at Santa Clara University from 2001-2007 where he held positions as Associate Campus Minister, Program Manager for Faith and Justice Education, and Associate Director in the Ignatian Center for Jesuit Education. He has also served as a resident minister at the University of San Francisco and as a case worker for Casa Del Migrante in Tijuana, Mexico. Prior to starting his professional career in higher education, he dedicated a year to full-time volunteer service through the Jesuit Volunteer Corps.Â
In addition to his work on campus, Dr. Lovette-Colyer is as a member of the corporate board of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of San Diego, the board of the Catholic Campus Ministry Association and the Parent-Teacher Association of his daughter’s school where he also serves as the pee-wee soccer coach.
