Michael Patrick Walsh SJ (February 28, 1912 – April 23, 1982) was an American Catholic priest, Jesuit, and biologist.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, he entered the Society of Jesus in 1929, was ordained a priest in 1941, and received his doctorate in biology from Fordham University in 1948.

He oversaw the construction of 15 new buildings, the creation of many new doctoral programs, and the overhaul of the undergraduate curriculum.

He oversaw a period of significant campus turmoil, in part related to the Vietnam War.

During this time, he also the chaplain to the Catholic clubs at Harvard, Tufts, and Boston University medical schools.

[4] Walsh was appointed the rector of Boston College by the Jesuit Superior General, Jean-Baptiste Janssens, and the following day, was elected the school's president by its board of trustees.

In the early 1960s, Boston College began granting doctorates in chemistry, physics, and biology.

[12] Doctoral degrees were also awarded for the first time in philosophy, modern languages, psychology, Germanic studies, and English.

[17] He also supported the incorporation of the Jesuit community at Boston College as a separate legal entity from the university.

[20] During Walsh's presidency, the requirement that students living in the dormitories attend daily Mass was reduced to twice per week, and was later abolished.

Over the course of his three years as president, Walsh balanced the university's budget,[12] starting with a deficit and ending with a surplus.

[27] On November 12 of that year, members of Students for a Democratic Society took over and occupied Walsh's office, injured a security guard, and overturned a car.

[28] In March 1969, the department of English denied tenure to a young, controversial professor known for his sarcastic, biting criticisms.

[30] In 1971, Walsh informed the board of directors that he was unwell, had a heart condition, and wanted to return to Boston.

[22] Walsh died on April 23, 1982, at the Jesuit residence at Boston College High School.

[22] Walsh Hall, a student residence at Boston College that opened on October 2, 1982, was named in his honor.