John J. DeGioia

John Joseph DeGioia (born 1957) is an American academic administrator and philosopher. He served as the president of Georgetown University from 2001 to 2024. Upon his appointment, he became the first lay president of any Jesuit university in the United States and the longest-serving president in Georgetown's history. DeGioia received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Georgetown University, where he also taught as a professor of philosophy. Before becoming president, he held positions such as dean of student affairs, associate vice president, chief administrative officer, and vice president. His presidency saw significant fundraising campaigns, construction projects like Regents Hall and the John R. Thompson, Jr. Intercollegiate Athletic Center, and the establishment of new academic components such as the Georgetown campus in Qatar and the McCourt School of Public Policy. He also addressed controversies regarding student affairs and the university's historical connection to slavery. In June 2024, he suffered a stroke and subsequently announced his resignation in November 2024, to focus on his recovery, while retaining the title of president emeritus.