MOBILE, Ala. – Dr. Christopher P. Puto was formally inaugurated as the 37th president of Spring Hill College on Thursday, Sept. 17.  Puto officially began his term on June 1 at the oldest Jesuit college in the South and the third oldest in the country.
Father Ronald Mercier SJ, provincial for the Jesuits, commissioned Puto and gave him what the Jesuits call a “vow cross” at the ceremony. A vow cross is a

Chairman of the Board Michael Coghlan presents Dr. Puto with the SHC presidential medallion. Archbishop Rodi is in the background. (Photos courtesy of Spring Hill College)

crucifix usually given to Jesuits when they take their first vows. Others on hand to congratulate Puto included Archbishop Thomas Rodi of the Archdiocese of Mobile; Sandy Stimpson, mayor of Mobile and representatives of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities and representatives of the academic community of Spring Hill.
Puto graduated from Spring Hill College in 1964 with a degree in economics. He earned a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Miami and a Ph.D. in business administration with a concentration in marketing from Duke University. He served Spring Hill College as a member of the Board of Trustees from 2003-2012.
Puto’s extensive and diverse background includes numerous accomplishments in academia most notably serving as the former dean of business schools at Georgetown University and St. Thomas University. He has also consulted and worked with numerous large corporations such as Bank of America, Eastman Kodak Company, General Electric Company and Burger King Corporation as well as served in the Vietnam War for which he was awarded a Bronze Star.
“I am honored to be taking my place among the many distinguished leaders of this 185-year-old institution,” Puto said. “I’ve prepared my entire life for this and didn’t even know it. My vision for Spring Hill College is to retain the values and history while laying the foundation to move the college to its bicentennial forward to 2064.”
Puto is the first permanently appointed layperson to serve as Spring Hill College’s president.
The Diocese of Jackson has been connected to the college for more than 25 years through an extension program offering masters degrees in theology and pastoral studies. More information on the program is available online at shc.edu.