The Rev. Daniel Griffith was announced to be St. Thomas’ new vice president for mission in February, but that does not mean he was expecting the role. While on a pilgrimage in Portugal, Griffith got the call that his predecessor, the Rev. Chris Collins, was stepping down.
“It came as quite a surprise to hear that news,” Griffith said. “And over the course of a number of weeks and some months, President Vischer and Archbishop Hebda talked to me and asked me to work in this capacity.”
Griffith currently serves as the pastor and rector at the Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis and has been a faculty member at the St. Thomas law school since 2011, according to its website. He is set to begin his new position on July 1, 2026.
Griffith’s long history at St. Thomas began as an undergraduate political science and theology student from 1989 to 1993.
“I thought it was a really good educational experience — my undergraduate experience. I thought the professors were great,” Griffith said.
Griffith went on to attend law school at William Mitchell College before eventually returning to the St. Paul Seminary to pursue priesthood. He then began teaching as an adjunct professor at the St. Thomas law school, focusing on Catholic social teaching and restorative justice.
Dan Kelly, the dean of the law school, said that Griffith is “a person of the utmost character.”
Kelly also praised Griffith’s work on restorative justice, which is “a worldwide movement that seeks to respond to harm in a way that fosters accountability and healing,” according to the law school’s website. He said that Griffith has used this philosophy to effectively address conflicts at the law school.
“There’s been student issues that have risen, and I’ve asked him to step in so that he can use some of those best practices on how to bring everybody together, recognize the harm that has occurred and figure out solutions or next steps,” Kelly said.
Griffith said that some restorative practices include healing circles, family counseling and victim-offender dialogues.
Griffith said he hopes to spread his restorative justice work university-wide.
“One area I could see is expanding the training opportunities for faculty, staff and students. Just like a primer on ‘What is restorative justice,’ and maybe do a healing circle experience,” Griffith said.
Griffith said that he hopes to build positive relationships with the St. Thomas community by having lots of conversations with students about their educational goals and any fears that they might be struggling with.
“My first main role is to listen and to learn — to really get to know people, to get to know students, faculty and staff — and ask them where they think this sort of justice could possibly be helpful in their work,” Griffith said.
Griffith said that he was humbled to receive the job offer and that he looks forward to serving the entire St. Thomas community, not just those who share his Catholic faith background.
“I am just absolutely bullish on St. Thomas’ future. I think the university is ascendent, I think President Vischer is an outstanding leader — I think he’s one of the best and most articulate Catholic leaders in the country — and I think St. Thomas has a really bright future,” Griffith said.
Emily Kratz can be reached at krat1542@stthomas.edu.
