William J. McDonald

Who is William J. McDonald?

Bishop William J. McDonald was the 9th rector of The Catholic University of America. He was the last person to hold the title 'rector' before it was changed to 'president.' McDonald earned a Master's degree and a Ph.D in philosophy from the University and taught there before becoming vice rector, and then rector.

Born in Mooncoin, County Kilkenny Ireland, McDonald studied at St. Kieran's College and St. Kieran's Seminary before being was ordained at St. Mary's Cathedral, Kilkenny in 1928. He was named Auxiliary bishop of Washington, D.C. in 1964, and transferred to San Francisco in 1967. He retired in 1979.