Saint John’s University designs programs to meet the needs and aspirations of young men, emphasizing leadership and a personal development profile that includes intellectual, spiritual, emotional and physical development. Our values-based and value-added residential liberal arts education provides the framework for fulfilling lives of disciplined inquiry and leadership in careers devoted to the professions, public life and service to others.

Set amid 2,700 acres of varied terrain, the Saint John's campus is remarkable in its natural beauty. It includes wetlands, several lakes, an oak savanna, a restored prairie, and hiking trails that wind through an extensive pine and hardwood forest. In addition to its recreational value, the landscape inspires spiritual and artistic reflection and fosters the Benedictine traditions of land stewardship, education and environmental respect.

Dr. Bruess became the first person to serve as president of both the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University on July 1, 2022. He is responsible for leading two strong, respected Catholic, Benedictine, residential liberal arts institutions with distinct but supporting missions.

Bruess earned his bachelor’s degree from St. Norbert College and his master’s and doctoral degrees in college student personnel/research and evaluation from Ohio University.