Keenan Hall

Bobby Nichols is from Louisville, Kentucky, and his love for his hometown runs deep. At Xavier University, Bobby worked for the Dorothy Day Center for Faith and Justice, which sparked his desire to work in Catholic education, leading him to earn a Bachelor's degree in Theology. After graduation, he returned to Louisville to work at his alma mater as a Theology faculty and Associate Director of Campus Ministry. For six years, Bobby directed countless retreats, started a service partnership with the Abbey of Gethsemani, and supervised numerous extracurricular and sports activities. While this time was meaningful and lifegiving, Bobby felt called to learn more and pursued a Master's degree in Ministry and Theology from Villanova University. At Villanova, he served as a Graduate Resident Minister living in a first-year residence hall. Having walked the Camino de Santiago in 2016 and 2019, Bobby is an avid walker and enjoys any opportunity to spend time in nature (though he is admittedly nervous of the South Bend winters). 

When asked to reflect on this invitation to serve as Rector, Bobby said: "I am humbled to serve as the Keenan Hall Rector at the University of Notre Dame. I look forward to learning and growing together with the Keenan Knights as we continue the legacy and traditions of this community."