Fr. Dempsey Rosales Acosta

Let us ask God to continue to awaken in us the attitude of a faithful student who is always awed by the Truth of God.

Fr. Demspey Rosales Acosta SSL., STD. Interim President, University of St. Thomas

image of st basil's chape

At the University of St. Thomas in Houston, we welcome you to our vibrant community of learning, growth, and discovery. As a Catholic university grounded in the rich teachings of the Basilian Fathers, we are committed to fostering an environment where faith and reason coexist, allowing you to explore your academic interests while deepening your spiritual journey. Our Basilian motto, which is the prayer of a person asking God: “Teach me Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge,” encapsulates our mission and educational philosophy. Teaching and spirituality emphasize the integration of faith and reason, the nurturing of intellectual growth, and the importance of community life, which have been foundational principles throughout UST’s history.

Our campus, located in the historic Montrose neighborhood, is not just a place of education but a thriving community filled with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Here, you will have the opportunity to engage with peers from over 40 states and 50 countries, reflecting a rich tapestry of cultures and ideas that enhances our educational experience.

We pride ourselves on our strong academic programs that blend rigorous scholarship with practical application. Our dedicated faculty are not only experts in their fields but also passionate mentors who will guide you as you pursue your academic and professional goals. At UST, you will find class sizes that promote individualized attention and mentorship, ensuring that you are never just a number but an integral part of our academic community.

Our University offers a rich array of student activities and organizations, from cultural clubs to sports teams, ensuring that there is something for everyone to participate in and belong to our community. We believe that college is not just about classes, but about building lifelong friendships and memories through shared experiences.

We invite you to explore our beautiful campus, engage with our welcoming community, and embrace the holistic education that UST offers. As you navigate your academic journey, we are here to support your success, ensuring that you leave not just with a degree, but with the knowledge, Catholic values, and network needed to thrive in your future endeavors.

Welcome to the University of St. Thomas, where you are encouraged to grow in faith, scholarship, and service. We look forward to being a part of your journey!

Fr. Dempsey Rosales Acosta SSL., STD.

University of St. Thomas Houston President Richard L. LudwickFr. Dempsey Rosales Acosta SSL., STD. 
Interim President

Father Dr. Dempsey Rosales Acosta’s distinguished academic and professional journey reflects his profound dedication to the fields of theology, biblical studies, and teaching. His path began with a solid foundation in philosophy at a Catholic University in Venezuela, earning his Batchelor of Arts, concentration in Philosophy. Staying on this path, he completed advanced studies in sacred theology in Rome, earning his Bachelor of Sacred Theology (STB) in 1998 from the Pontifical Gregorian University. His ordination to the priesthood in 1999 marked the beginning of his deepening engagement with theological scholarship and pastoral work.

Father Dempsey’s academic pursuits continued with further specialization in biblical studies at the Pontifical Biblical Institute, earning a degree in Biblical Exegesis and Languages (SSL) in 2004 and his Doctorate in Sacred Theology (STD) in Biblical Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in 2010. During his time in Rome, his rich formation integrated scholarly research and spiritual growth that was nurtured as a member of the Almo Collegio Capranica.

Beyond his academic credentials, Father Dempsey has been an active participant in various scholarly and ecclesial initiatives. Since 2008, he has served as a peritus (expert advisor) and collaborator with the Presidential Liaison for Catholic Ministries at the American Bible Society (ABS), particularly during the leadership of Mr. Mario Paredes. His influence in Catholic biblical scholarship is ongoing and extends further through his role as a full-time tenured faculty member at the University of St. Thomas (UST) in Houston since 2010, where he teaches courses in Biblical Theology, biblical languages, and Catholic theology and globally published many articles, treatises, and books on related topics.

Outside his teaching at UST, his involvement and support for several organizations reveals his ongoing commitment to shaping the Church’s engagement with the Scriptures. From highlighted projects below, excerpted from his extensive CV, his commitment to sharing the riches of Scripture with a global audience is evident through his teaching, speaking, and media work. Father Dempsey stays dedicated to fostering a deeper connection between the faithful and the Word of God.

  • Since 2015 - collaborated with various task forces with the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) under the leadership of Bishop Gomez, to bring about a revision of biblical texts.
  • Internationally recognized speaker - addressed audiences at significant events such as the 2015 World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia, where he presented a talk on “Lectio Divina: Praying with Scripture to Connect with the Living God.” More recently, he spoke at World Youth Day in Lisbon in 2023, offering a bilingual presentation on “Youth in the Bible,” in the the Cristonautas Park in the Praça Martim Moniz.
  • Social media - co-hosts the Spanish-language podcast "The Bible in a Year," with Father Sergio Serrano and produced by Ascension Press. Here he engages with biblical themes in a manner that reaches a wide audience. Additionally, he has contributed to numerous educational videos, collaborating with figures like Jeff Cavins to further educate the faithful on biblical topics.
  • Currently, Father Dempsey is a key figure in the sixth season of "Cristonautas," a Spanish-language program aired internationally on EWTN, where he serves as the main speaker for 13 episodes.

 

Education:

  • STD: Doctorate in Biblical Theology: Pontifical Gregorian University (Rome - Italy).
  • SSL: Licenza Pontificia in Science in Sacred Scripture: Pontifical Biblicum Institute (Rome - Italy).
  • STB: Pontifical Baccalaureatus in Theology: Pontifical Gregorian University (Rome - Italy).
  • BAPhil: Bachelor and Licensure of Arts in Philosophy and Education: Catholic University Cecilio Acosta University (Venezuela).

See CV

Link Lee Mansion on the campus of the University of St. Thomas in Houston, TexasLink-Lee Mansion has belonged to the University of St. Thomas since our founding in 1947. In the University's infancy, it provided space for all functions.

The first floor housed the library, registrar's office and student reading room (pictured). The second floor featured a small chapel, classrooms and offices. The third floor was used for women's physical education and student dances.

Today, the mansion houses administrative offices, hosts special events and remains an integral part of the University's vibrant culture.

Link Lee Mansion on the campus of the University of St. Thomas in Houston, TexasNow more than 100 years old, Link-Lee Mansion also remains an iconic symbol of the University and one of Houston's true architectural masterpieces. In 2001, it was honored as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark.

A restoration and renovation effort is underway to repair damage to the facility and preserve it for generations to come.