Jan. 6, 2025, Houston – Father Randall S. Gibbens, SJ, is the new president of Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory School (CRJ) of Houston. He officially began his assignment on Jan. 1, 2025.
Missioned to Cristo Rey in 2019, Fr. Gibbens has served as chaplain, director of student life and instructor of biology, geometry and AP environmental science. He has immersed himself in the school’s mission to inspire and prepare students of limited economic resources to succeed in college and lead their communities as compassionate, committed and competent men and women for others for the greater glory of God. He is deeply respected for his dedication to CRJ’s academic excellence and for his leadership in guiding the spiritual formation of the students.
“Cristo Rey Jesuit plays an essential role in the educational landscape of Houston,” Fr. Gibbens said. “Through the generosity of our benefactors and corporate work-study partners, we are able to make a Catholic, Jesuit education accessible to all. As president, I look forward to strengthening our partnership with the families who entrust their sons and daughters to our care and to supporting our incredible faculty and staff, who work tirelessly to form young men and women for others.”
“This marks an exciting new chapter for Cristo Rey Jesuit,” said Chris Simon, chair of the CRJ board of trustees. “We are so blessed to have such a great individual to carry the torch and continue to realize the dreams of our students and their families! His care and love of our entire school community emanate from him every day.”
Father Gibbens earned a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy from Texas A&M University, a Master of Arts in Philosophy from Saint Louis University, and a Master of Divinity from the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University. Prior to entering the Society of Jesus in 2004, he worked as assistant superintendent at Landscapes Unlimited, LLC — an industry leader in golf course development and construction — where he gained extensive management experience. His teaching career began in 2009 at Jesuit High School of Tampa, Florida, where he taught courses in biology and Catholicism. His accomplishments included establishing and leading the Kairos Retreat Program and assisting as a mentor for Student Council.
A native of New Orleans, Fr. Gibbens is a proud alumnus of Jesuit High School of New Orleans.
