Matthew Shields has been appointed Executive Director for Mission Integration here at Sacred Heart University (SHU). Shields will now be overseeing all proceedings that include campus ministry, working on community engagement and SHU’s mission.
SHU’s mission is an integral part of the university and Shields’ plans on ensuring that this mission can be instilled within all students during his time in this position.
Anne Johnson, Director of Volunteer Programs and Service Learning, expressed her excitement with the decision to appoint Shields to this position.
“We are excited to welcome Matthew to the Mission Integration, Ministry and Community Engagement team. He brings with him his infectious energy and jumped into programming right away to get to know our students.
Matthew is a strategic, empathetic leader who is the perfect fit to continue pushing the mission of the university forward both on and off campus,” said Johnson.
According to a SHU press release, before coming to SHU, Shields was the Director for Mission and Ministry at the College of Mount Saint Vincent in the Bronx, NY. In his time there he was able to work on volunteerism, spirituality, and mission integration with students, faculty, and staff. Shields was also a campus minister at William Paterson University in New Jersey, where he was able to engage students in service, self-awareness, and spiritual activities.
Students of the Peer Ministry group will be able to work with Shields to help spread SHU’s mission across campus. Junior Alex Fernandez is involved with Peer Ministry and will be working with Shields in the future.
“I’m on the Events Pillar of Peer Ministry and we basically plan a lot of the fun events on campus like Bowling with Peer Ministry, Paint and Pray, andourupcomingPumpkinPalooza event,” said Fernandez. “Some ways I like to get involved are by attending mass on Sundays, going to our latte events, and helping lead our weekend retreats. I really enjoy campus ministry because it allows me to strengthen my faith while also meeting new friends and working with them to plan these awesome events and activities.”
