The Feser File
A quick glimpse into what makes Saint Louis University President Dr. Edward Feser tick
If you weren’t a university president, what would you be?
A scuba instructor
Who were your role models?
My sister, Vicki, is one of the most significant influences on me, as are all my siblings. I’ve also worked with some outstanding university presidents and chancellors. I’ve been fortunate to have so many good mentors, personally and professionally.
If you could have dinner with one historical figure, who would it be?
Abraham Lincoln
Any hobbies besides the outdoors?
I’m lousy at cultivating hobbies in the conventional sense, though my wife Kathy and I do enjoy ballroom dancing.
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
As a study abroad student in Vienna in 1988, I traveled extensively in East Central Europe at the very end of the Cold War. I visited Czechoslovakia, the Soviet Union, Poland, Hungary, Yugoslavia, among other countries. Most of my study abroad friends spent their available travel time in the more hospitable and comfortable western Europe. As a student of politics at the University of San Francisco, I wanted to experience what life in the Soviet bloc felt like.
As you might gather, I’ve had more than a few experiences outdoors, but some were more stupid than adventurous. When I was 14, I was airlifted by helicopter from a tiny spit of land in the middle of a raging river during a record rainstorm. I thought it might be a good idea to paddle across said river. It was not. I’m lucky to be here.
What is your least favorite task?
Booking flights
How do you relax?
Reading, hiking and time with family
Early riser or night owl?
I’m usually up by 5 a.m.
Do you favor routine or spontaneity?
Both. I like routine, but I also enjoy dropping everything and doing something different when an opportunity arises. Variety is a source of peace.
Biggest guilty pleasure?
Movies I’ve seen before. I find it more relaxing to watch old movies I know than new ones I don’t, but I feel guilty about that for some reason.
Favorite undergraduate college class?
At USF, I took a class on 20th century European history from a masterful professor who was a truly articulate, spellbinding lecturer. Listening to him was edge-of-your-seat exciting. His final exam called on us to “summarize European history from the turn of the century to the end of World War II.” Fifty minutes, a pen and a blue book. I wrote my answer in a fever and handed it in without re-reading it. When he returned my exam, on it was written an A+ and glowing comments about its eloquence. Reading it later, I couldn’t believe I managed a coherent, cohesive answer in so short a period, much less an eloquent one, and it was truly because of my teacher’s instruction and example. I still have that blue book, and I remember that teacher with gratitude.
Pet peeve?
Pessimism
Favorite TV shows?
The Wire, Fauda and The X Files
Favorite movie?
Too many to choose, but O Brother, Where Art Thou? is a masterpiece.
Is there a sports team that you follow?
Roll Bills!
First concert?
The Tubes … yes, I’m old …
Favorite vacation spot?
Outside and very remote
Favorite food?
Much too hard to answer!
"The Feser File" was published in the spring 2026 issue of Universitas.
About Universitas
Universitas, the award-winning alumni magazine of Saint Louis University, is distributed to alumni, parents and benefactors of the University. The magazine includes campus news, feature stories, alumni profiles and class notes, and has a circulation of 103,000.