(November 16, 1860 – May 27, 1921) was an Irish-American priest and President of the University of Notre Dame from 1893 to 1905, after having served previously as director of studies.

His presidency saw the construction of the Grotto in 1896, the addition of wings to Sorin Hall in 1897 and the erection of the first gymnasium in 1898.

During Morrissey's 12-year tenure, the University remained largely focused on younger students in its boarding school model, in line with the vision of Fr.

John Zahm, who championed the view of Notre Dame becoming a research university dedicated to scholarship.

Zahm was cold, stand-offish, guileless, while Morrissey was warm-hearted, expansive, not altogether impartial.