The president of the university is ex officio member of both the board of trustees and the fellows.

[4] The longest serving president was Theodore Hesburgh, who first started enrolling women undergraduates, increased the financial endowment, expanded campus construction, and greatly increased the university's academic reputation during his 35 year long term.

[5] The president is selected for a renewable 5-year term by the trustees of the university among the priests of the Congregation of Holy Cross.

The president must be a priest of the Congregation of Holy Cross, which founded the University.

[1] Holy Cross priests take a vow of poverty, so the presidential salary is paid directly to the order.