Our Director

John O'Keefe, Ph.D.

Dr. O'Keefe comes to Xavier from Creighton University, where he served for many years as a member of the theology faculty and as Chair of the department. He received his MTS from Weston Jesuit School of Theology, and his MA and Ph.D. in Early Christian Studies from The Catholic University of America.

His academic research has focused on the history and theology of ancient Christianity, especially in the area of ancient Christian biblical interpretation. He is currently interested in ecological theology and efforts to put ancient wisdom in dialogue with the critical needs of the world.

O’Keefe is also a documentary filmmaker. He has produced and directed six films in collaboration with students as a part of the Backpack Journalism Project at Creighton University, and four independent documentaries. His most recent film, The Last Prairie, offers a portrait of the Sandhills grassland in western Nebraska, one of the last remaining prairie landscapes in the world.