Meet Fr. Matt

Introducing the 40th President of St. Louis U. High

For Fr. Matt Stewart, SJ ’98, becoming the 40th SLUH president marks a new chapter in a lifelong relationship with the school. A student, alumnus, teacher, Jesuit priest and, most recently, principal, he has experienced the school and its mission from nearly every perspective.

On July 1, 2026, Fr. Stewart became the first Jesuit to serve as president since Fr. Paul Sheridan, SJ (1997–2005), and the first Jesuit alumnus to hold the position since Fr. Robert Costello, SJ ’47 (1992–97). His appointment follows three years of exceptional leadership as principal, during which his deep commitment to the Catholic, Jesuit school mission became evident throughout the SLUH community.

After entering the Society of Jesus in 2009, Fr. Stewart served in a variety of roles in Jesuit education, including adjunct professor at Saint Louis University, associate director of the Alum Service Corps, chaplain and teacher at Loyola Academy, board member at Arrupe Jesuit High School, and associate university minister and faculty member at Regis University. He currently serves on the Rockhurst University Board of Trustees and the SLUH Board of Members.

Education

• S.T.L. in Liturgy and Sacraments, Boston College
• M.M. in Choral Conducting, University of Denver
• M.A. in Philosophical Resources, Fordham University
• M.A. in Theology with highest distinction, Saint Louis University

Fr. Stewart’s Favorites

• Prayer: Anima Christi
• Quote: “The glory of God is the human person fully alive.” — St. Irenaeus
• Book: Rehearsing God’s Just Kingdom, Stephen Wilbrecht, CSC
• Movie: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
• Band/Singer: Billy Joel
• Sports Team: St. Louis Blues
• Hobby: Cooking and listening to music
• Food: Buffalo wings. Always with ranch. 
• Hero: St. Peter
• Childhood Memory: The day I found out I had been accepted to SLUH. I can still remember opening the letter in my mom’s car after she dropped off carpool. At the time, I had no idea just how much that acceptance letter would shape the course of my life.

A résumé can trace a person’s experience, and a list of favorites can reveal something of his personality. But Fr. Matt, who grew up in the Christ, Prince of Peace Parish, is known best through the relationships he has formed — as a brother, classmate, colleague, teacher, priest and fellow leader in Jesuit education. Five people who have shared those relationships offer a more personal portrait of the man leading SLUH into its next chapter.

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FROM A BROTHER

Matt has always been more than a brother to me — he's been one of my biggest supporters. He's the kind of person who has unwavering confidence in the people he loves, and I've always known he has my back.

If there's one thing that defines Matt, it's that he values time with the people he cares about. Some of my favorite memories are the simplest ones: waiting for our parents to tell us Santa had arrived on Christmas morning, family vacations and road trips, cheering on the Blues and Cardinals together, celebrating my wedding, watching him become an uncle to my three children and sharing dinners whenever he visited me in Kansas City. I've also had the privilege of standing beside him at some of the most important moments of his vocation — from his first vows in the Jesuit novitiate to his final vows and ordination.

There is no place in the world that means more to Matt than SLUH. It helped shape the man, leader and Jesuit priest he is today. He has a deep love for this school, profound respect for its traditions and an unwavering belief in its Catholic, Jesuit mission. I have every confidence he will lead SLUH with the same humility, joy and sense of purpose that have defined his life.

As his brother, I couldn't be prouder. As a fellow alumnus, I can't imagine a better person to serve as SLUH’s 40th president.

— John Stewart ’02
Corporate Business Development Manager, Enterprise Fleet Management

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FROM A CLASSMATE

When I think of Fr. Matt, I think of a true Man for Others whose love for music, food, sports and SLUH has been at the heart of our friendship since we met on the first day of freshman year in Mrs. Kissel's algebra class. Even then, it was clear to those of us who knew him that he was destined to make a meaningful impact.

Fr. Matt is equally at home discussing Catholicism and Jesuit history as he is talking Blues hockey, Italian cuisine, movies, music or his vision for SLUH. His curiosity, enthusiasm and ability to connect with people make every conversation memorable.

He's also a gifted chef, accomplished musician and talented vocalist who honored me by composing and singing a solo at my wedding Mass. At SLUH, he performed in musical productions and spent four years on the racquetball team, where we won a state championship and helped capture the school's first national championship as seniors.

What stands out most, though, is Fr. Matt's genuine joy, humility and sense of humor. He has a remarkable way of making people feel known and valued. I count myself incredibly fortunate to have called him a classmate and close friend for more than 30 years.

— Paul Sharamitaro ’98
Director of Preconstruction, BSI Constructors

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FROM A COLLEAGUE

I've had the privilege of knowing Matt in nearly every setting over the past 21 years. His intelligence, deep faith, quick wit and natural charisma make him a dynamic and genuinely enjoyable friend and colleague. Some of my favorite memories come from the time we spent together on the creative teams for our musical productions and Senior Follies. Matt is an incredibly talented singer and conductor, but what has always inspired me most is watching him share his passion for music with students.

Whether rehearsing a difficult musical number or preparing for opening night, he effortlessly shifts between challenging students to pursue excellence and embracing moments of playfulness and humor. His antics kept spirits high through many long tech weeks. After returning to SLUH following his ordination, he served as the musical director for Godspell. Fittingly, he conducted the production from a seat on stage, complete with a costume and top hat.

One memory, in particular, will remain with me forever: the Mass he celebrated for the cast in the middle of the set. To me, it captured the very best of who Matt is — a priest preaching in a place that might have seemed unconventional to many but felt completely natural to him, surrounded by the cast, crew and creative team with whom he had spent weeks bringing the Gospel of Matthew to life. In that moment, his gifts as a priest, musician, teacher and mentor came together in a way that was both beautiful and unforgettable.

— Simonie Anzalone
SLUH Campus Ministry, Fine Arts Chair

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FROM A FORMER STUDENT AND FELLOW JESUIT

When I woke up the first morning after arriving in Grand Coteau, Louisiana to begin novitiate with the Jesuits, I wondered if I’d made a mistake. I thought to myself: What on earth have I gotten myself into?

Nevertheless, I got up and made my way over for the Vow Mass (where men who were finishing novitiate would profess vows of poverty, chastity and obedience). There was Matt Stewart, who had been my sophomore theology teacher at SLUH and, like me, had left a career teaching at SLUH to enter the Jesuits. I shared with him how I was feeling.

I will never forget what he told me: “Dan, you’re following what God has led you to; the evil one does not want you here and is trying to disturb you.” He went on to share that he had needed time to adjust as well when he first entered. His words were direct, honest and deeply consoling. They were exactly what I needed to hear at that moment.

Nine years later, I remain profoundly grateful — not only for his wisdom that day, but also that I now have the privilege of sharing Jesuit life with him.

— Fr. Dan Finucane, SJ ’06
Assistant to the Novice Director, Jesuit Novitiate; University Chaplain, Regis University (both in Denver)

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FROM A JESUIT UNIVERSITY LEADER

Fr. Matt's Jesuit vocation is evident in the way he accompanies others. Rooted in faith and the Ignatian tradition, he challenges colleagues to seek the greater good and approach leadership as a form of service. I have seen these qualities in action during board discussions, where he shares his perspective thoughtfully, listens with genuine openness, and helps guide the group toward decisions that reflect both strategic priorities and Jesuit values. 

His example inspires others to lead with integrity, courage and hope, reminding us that education is about more than academic excellence — it is about forming people committed to reflection, justice and the common good. I know the SLUH community will come to value Fr. Matt's commitment to lifelong learning and his desire to bring best practices in governance and executive leadership to advance the school's mission.

— Dr. Sandra Cassady
President, Rockhurst University

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Like Father, Like Son

Enjoy this heartfelt conversation from the 2026 Father & Son Banquet as Fr. Matt Stewart, SJ '98, and his father, Bob Stewart '69, reflect on family, faith and the lasting impact of a SLUH education across generations.

Watch the conversation