Fr. Dempsey Rosales Acosta

Executive Director, Institute of Pastoral Studies

Fr. Dempsey Rosales Acosta serves as Executive Director of the Institute of Pastoral Studies (IPS). Fr. Rosales Acosta is a Catholic priest, biblical scholar, and higher-education leader with nearly two decades of experience in academic administration, higher education, pastoral formation, and mission-driven innovation. Before joining Loyola, he served as a tenured Professor of Theology and Director of the Center Semillero for Hispanic/Latino Theology at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, where he was a full-time faculty member since 2010. He also served as Interim President of St. Thomas, where he led institutional advancement, a decennial SACSCOC accreditation process, and strategic governance, experience that positions him exceptionally well for the opportunities ahead at IPS.

A prolific scholar and pastoral leader, Fr. Rosales Acosta has authored peer-reviewed books and articles in biblical studies and theology, consulted for the USCCB on biblical translation, and developed graduate programs in English and Spanish for institutions including Notre Dame, Loyola Marymount, and St. Meinrad Seminary. His fluency in multiple modern and biblical languages reflects a global perspective on faith, justice, and human dignity that aligns deeply with Loyola’s Jesuit mission.