--- title: Forming Shepherds for the Church description: Discover how 12 University of Dallas alumni serve as bishops in the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, showcasing the university's commitment to faith and service. image: https://tower.udallas.edu/hubfs/Bishops_story_img1_Tower_0426.png --- ## [![tower-gold-03](https://tower.udallas.edu/hubfs/tower-gold-03.svg "tower-gold-03")](https://tower.udallas.edu/) [Follow us on Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com) [Follow us on LinkedIn ](https://www.linkedin.com) [Follow us on Twitter ](https://www.twitter.com) [Follow us on Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com) [✕](https://tower.udallas.edu/tower/forming-shepherds-for-the-church#atbs-offcanvas-primary) [**](https://tower.udallas.edu/tower/forming-shepherds-for-the-church#) - - - Share Share From Santa Rosa to Brownsville, 12 University of Dallas alumni are serving as bishops among the 273 active prelates of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Their graduation years ranged from the 1970s through 1990s, and a few of them were even classmates. Many bishops were ordained in Dallas, while others became priests in their home dioceses. These alumni priests went on to serve in a number of parishes and diocesan assignments before being ordained as bishops. Some continued to serve in connection with UDallas, including as trustees, in leadership at Holy Trinity Seminary and even as UDallas chaplain. The 12 men highlighted in the following pages, along with countless other alumni who devote their lives to faith and service, are evidence of the university’s commitment to forming graduates who serve Church and country. ![Bishop_Deshotel_photo_Tower_0426](https://tower.udallas.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Bishop_Deshotel_photo_Tower_0426.jpg?width=355&height=174&name=Bishop_Deshotel_photo_Tower_0426.jpg) Bishop J. Douglas Deshotel, BA ’74 MDiv ’78 **Currently: **Bishop of Lafayette, LA** Ordained: **1978, Diocese of Dallas** Diocesan positions included: **Presbyteral Council and Priests’ Personnel Board **Other UDallas connections: **Former Vice Rector of Holy Trinity Seminary **Also served as: **Auxiliary Bishop of Dallas **Episcopal motto: **“Christ’s love that urges me on.” ![Bishop_Kelly_photo_Tower_0426](https://tower.udallas.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Bishop_Kelly_photo_Tower_0426.jpg?width=355&height=174&name=Bishop_Kelly_photo_Tower_0426.jpg) Bishop Gregory Kelly, BA ’78 MDiv ’82 > **Coming to the University of Dallas my junior year when I entered Holy Trinity Seminary was like arriving late at a banquet after filling up on junk food. It created a hunger to know and understand a truth grand and endlessly attractive and challenging, opening onto the mystery of God, Truth itself. It has also provided a foundation and a horizon for my life as a priest and now as a bishop, a window into the depths of the mystery of Christ, ‘in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge’ (Colossians 2:3).”** **Currently: **Bishop of Tyler, TX **Ordained: **1982, Diocese of Dallas **Parish assignments:** All Saints (Dallas) and St. Gabriel the Archangel (McKinney) **Diocesan positions included:** Vocations Director, Vicar for Clergy, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop **Other UDallas connections: **University of Dallas Chaplain & Board of Trustees, Interim Rector of Holy Trinity Seminary (2014) **Episcopal motto: **“Take courage.” ![Archbishop_McKnight_photo_Tower_0426](https://tower.udallas.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Archbishop_McKnight_photo_Tower_0426.jpg?width=174&height=174&name=Archbishop_McKnight_photo_Tower_0426.jpg) Archbishop Shawn McKnight, BS ’90 **Currently: **Archbishop of Kansas City, KS** Ordained: **1994, Diocese of Wichita **Parish assignments: **parishes in Wichita** Other assignments: **Executive Director of the Secretariat of Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations for the USCCB; Bishop of Jefferson City, MO **Episcopal motto: **“Let us give thanks to the Lord.” ![Bishop_Cantu_photo_Tower_0426](https://tower.udallas.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Bishop_Cantu_photo_Tower_0426.jpg?width=174&height=174&name=Bishop_Cantu_photo_Tower_0426.jpg) Bishop Oscar Cantú, BA ’89 > The classical education at the University of Dallas had a profound impact on my world view. The foundation in the Greco-Roman history and philosophy of the West molded my interest in theology, art and architecture, literature, and philosophy. > > These interests and educational foundations have served me well in my 31 years as a priest and 17 years as a bishop. I have used this world view and liberal arts background in my teaching and pastoral leadership over the years. > > I continue to deepen and expand this world view through my continued reading, studying, and learning. I challenge myself to expand my understanding of the world, its history, and the beauty and truth of the Creator evident in its multiple cultures throughout history.**”** **Currently:** Bishop of San Jose, CA **Ordained: **1994, Diocese of Houston **Parish assignments:** St. Christopher and other parishes in the Houston area **Ministry interests:** Christian Family Movement and Engaged Encounter **Also served as: **Auxiliary Bishop of San Antonio, Bishop of Las Cruces, NM **Episcopal motto:** “The zeal for your house consumes me.” ![Bishop_Seitz_photo_Tower_0426](https://tower.udallas.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Bishop_Seitz_photo_Tower_0426.jpg?width=174&height=174&name=Bishop_Seitz_photo_Tower_0426.jpg) Bishop Mark Seitz, BA ’76 MDiv ’82 **Currently: **Bishop of El Paso, TX **Ordained: **1980, Diocese of Dallas** Parish assignments: **Parishes in Garland, Waxahachie and Dallas **Other UDallas connections: **Former Liturgy and Sacramental Theology Professor at University of Dallas and Vice-Rector and Director of Liturgy at Holy Trinity Seminary. **Also served as: **Auxiliary Bishop of Dallas **Episcopal motto: **“My heart is ready.” ![Bishop_Konderla_photo_Tower_0426](https://tower.udallas.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Bishop_Konderla_photo_Tower_0426.jpg?width=174&height=174&name=Bishop_Konderla_photo_Tower_0426.jpg) Bishop David Konderla, BA ’89 > The University of Dallas opened up a whole world of beauty and wisdom for this small town boy.” **Currently: **Bishop of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma** Ordained:** 1995, Diocese of Austin** Parish assignments: **St. Mary’s Catholic Center in College Station and other parishes in Austin **Diocesan positions included: **Vocations director for the Diocese of Austin** Episcopal motto: **“Unless the Lord builds” ![Bishop_Duca_photo_Tower_0426](https://tower.udallas.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Bishop_Duca_photo_Tower_0426.jpg?width=355&height=174&name=Bishop_Duca_photo_Tower_0426.jpg) Bishop Michael Duca, BA ’74 MDiv ’78 > I didn’t fully understand the value of my eight years of education at the University of Dallas until I began my active ministry as a priest and certainly now as a bishop. In all aspects of my life from social conversations, theological reflections, writing a weekly column, sermons, and even in spiritual counseling, I find I have a deep academic foundation to move in all these circles of encounter and ministry with confidence. The liberal arts education I received at UD was a profound part of my seminary formation that prepared me for my life as a priest and now bishop.” **Currently: **Bishop of Baton Rouge, LA **Ordained:** 1978, Diocese of Dallas **Parish assignments: **All Saints (Dallas), St. Patrick (Dallas) and St. Luke (Irving) **Diocesan positions included: **Diocese of Dallas Vocations Director **Other UDallas connections: **Rector at Holy Trinity Seminary in Dallas, 1996-2008; Former University of Dallas Board of Trustees member **Episcopal motto: **“Hope in the Lord.” ![Bishop_Flores_photo_Tower_0426](https://tower.udallas.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Bishop_Flores_photo_Tower_0426.jpg?width=174&height=174&name=Bishop_Flores_photo_Tower_0426.jpg) Bishop Daniel E. Flores **Currently: **Bishop of Brownsville, TX **Ordained: **1988, Diocese of Corpus Christi** Parish assignments:** Corpus Christi Cathedral** Diocesan positions included: **Secretary to the Bishop, Rector of the Saint John Vianney House of Study, Episcopal Vicar for Vocations and Chancellor** Also served as: **Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Detroit** Episcopal motto: **“The WORD is sent breathing forth love.” ![Bishop_Strickland_photo_Tower_0426](https://tower.udallas.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Bishop_Strickland_photo_Tower_0426.jpg?width=174&height=174&name=Bishop_Strickland_photo_Tower_0426.jpg) Bishop Joseph E. Strickland, BA ’81 MDiv ’85 **Ordained: **1985, Diocese of Dallas **Parish assignments: **Immaculate Conception Church and other parishes in the Diocese of Tyler, TX **Diocesan positions included:** Vocations Director for the Diocese of Tyler** Episcopal motto: **“That I may dwell in the house of the Lord.” ![Bishop_Coerver_photo_Tower_0426](https://tower.udallas.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Bishop_Coerver_photo_Tower_0426.jpg?width=355&height=174&name=Bishop_Coerver_photo_Tower_0426.jpg) Bishop Robert Coerver, BA ’76 > My education at the University of Dallas deepened my appreciation of the Western Tradition, especially its philosophical, literary, and theological aspects, which served, I believe, to deepen my own personal integration.” **Currently: **Bishop of Lubbock, TX** Ordained: **1980, Diocese of Dallas **Parish assignments: **Saint Elizabeth of Hungary (Dallas), Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton (Plano), Our Lady of the Lake (Rockwall) and St. Rita (Dallas) **Diocesan positions included: **Director of the Office of Sacramental Life, Director of Priestly Life and Ministry **Other UDallas connections: **Director of Spiritual Formation at Holy Trinity Seminary for 11 years **Episcopal Motto: **“Take Lord, receive.” ![Bishop_Vasa_photo_Tower_0426](https://tower.udallas.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Bishop_Vasa_photo_Tower_0426.jpg?width=174&height=174&name=Bishop_Vasa_photo_Tower_0426.jpg) Bishop Robert Francis Vasa, BA ’76 > I was edified by the witness and example of the Hungarian Cistercians who comprised a majority of the theological faculty at the university. From them, I received solid theological formation for which I am extremely grateful. I am proud to have been a graduate of the university especially as its orthodox reputation has expanded and spread over the past several decades.” **Currently: **Bishop of Santa Rosa, CA **Ordained: **1976, Diocese of Lincoln **Diocesan positions included: **Assistant Chancellor and Judicial Vicar **Also served as: **Bishop of Baker, OR **Episcopal motto: **“Unless a grain of wheat” ![Bishop_Malone_photo_Tower_0426](https://tower.udallas.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Bishop_Malone_photo_Tower_0426.jpg?width=174&height=174&name=Bishop_Malone_photo_Tower_0426.jpg) Bishop Francis Malone, BA ’74 MDiv ’77 **Currently: **Bishop of Shreveport, LA **Ordained: **1977, Diocese of Little Rock **Parish assignments: **Christ the King and other parishes in the Diocese of Little Rock **Diocesan positions included: **Chancellor, Vicar General and more **Other UDallas connections: **Vice-Rector at Holy Trinity Seminary (1986-1987)** ****Episcopal motto: **“The cup of salvation I will take up.” [**Previous Post ](https://tower.udallas.edu/tower/called-to-serve-those-who-serve) [![Called to Serve Those Who Serve: Alumna Rebecca Burgess, BA ’06 PhD ’24, draws on UDallas experience to advocate for veterans](https://tower.udallas.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Burgess_story_img1_Tower_0426.jpg?width=180&height=180&name=Burgess_story_img1_Tower_0426.jpg) ](https://tower.udallas.edu/tower/called-to-serve-those-who-serve) ### [Called to Serve Those Who Serve: Alumna Rebecca Burgess, BA ’06 PhD ’24, draws on UDallas experience to advocate for veterans](https://tower.udallas.edu/tower/called-to-serve-those-who-serve) [Next article** ](https://tower.udallas.edu/tower/an-academic-alamo) [![An Academic Alamo](https://tower.udallas.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/UD_Irving_birdseye.jpg?width=180&height=180&name=UD_Irving_birdseye.jpg) ](https://tower.udallas.edu/tower/an-academic-alamo) ### [An Academic Alamo](https://tower.udallas.edu/tower/an-academic-alamo) ![Caitlin (Forst) Bootsma, BA ’06](https://tower.udallas.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Caitlin_Bootsma.jpg?width=180&height=180&name=Caitlin_Bootsma.jpg) [Caitlin (Forst) Bootsma, BA ’06](https://tower.udallas.edu/tower/author/caitlin-bootsma) #### Related news [![image](https://tower.udallas.edu/hubfs/30_Women%20in%20Chapel.jpg)](https://tower.udallas.edu/tower/hospitality-is-integral-to-the-ud-spirit) [Letters from Sybil](https://tower.udallas.edu/tower/tag/letters-from-sybil) ### [Hospitality is Integral to the UD Spirit](https://tower.udallas.edu/tower/hospitality-is-integral-to-the-ud-spirit) [** ](https://tower.udallas.edu/tower/hospitality-is-integral-to-the-ud-spirit) [![image](https://tower.udallas.edu/hubfs/constantin-scholars-2024-blessing.jpeg)](https://tower.udallas.edu/tower/one-to-remember-constantin-scholars-program-turns-four) ### [One To Remember: Constantin Scholars Program Turns Four](https://tower.udallas.edu/tower/one-to-remember-constantin-scholars-program-turns-four) [** ](https://tower.udallas.edu/tower/one-to-remember-constantin-scholars-program-turns-four) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Caitlin (Forst) Bootsma, BA ’06", "url" : "https://tower.udallas.edu/tower/author/caitlin-bootsma" }, "dateModified" : "2026-04-22T19:11:34.634Z", "datePublished" : "2026-04-22T19:11:34.000Z", "headline" : "Forming Shepherds for the Church", "image" : [ "https://tower.udallas.edu/hubfs/Bishops_story_img1_Tower_0426.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://tower.udallas.edu/tower/forming-shepherds-for-the-church", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://tower.udallas.edu/hubfs/UD%20Rebrand/UD_Logo_Stacked_Blue.png" }, "name" : "University of Dallas" } } ```