Monsignor William Cleves will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree at Thomas More University’s 2026 Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 16. He will also deliver this year’s Commencement address.
Monsignor Cleves began his Thomas More University career in 1983 as an instructor and was appointed Assistant Professor of Philosophy in 1986 and became Associate Professor of Philosophy in 1990. He also taught in the Languages Department, was the Faculty General Assembly president twice, and served as the college Chaplin from 1987-1992. In 1987, University students elected Monsignor Cleves as the “Outstanding Full-time Teacher of the Year.”
“I’m deeply honored to receive this degree,” said Monsignor William Cleves, President Emeritus of Thomas More University. “Throughout my time at Thomas More, I have been blessed to witness the University continue to grow and flourish while remaining rooted in our Catholic Intellectual Tradition and instilling our values in our students, faculty, and staff. It is truly a collaborative effort that enriches all those it touches.”
In 1992, Monsignor Cleves became the 11th president of the University and served in that role until 2001. During this period, President Cleves made several significant contributions to the University, including:
• Expanding its International Outreach program welcoming students from Japan, Scotland, Germany, Ireland, and Puerto Rico.
• Launching the Thomas More Accelerated Program (TAP) and the Quest Program.
• Overseeing the building of the Saints football stadium and Saints Center.
• Successful reaccreditation process by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
In 2025, he was named President Emeritus in honor of his leadership, service, and long history with the University.
“We are very fortunate to have Monsignor Cleves as part of our University’s past, present, and future,” added Joseph L. Chillo, LP.D, President of Thomas More University. “His dedication to Thomas More embodies the very heart of what makes our University so special — an unwavering commitment to faith, academic excellence, and service to others.”
Monsignor Cleves is currently a pastor at Holy Spirit Parish in Newport and serves as a moderator and panelist of the William T. Robinson III Institute for Religious Liberty at Thomas More.
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