With a spirit of encouragement and affirmation, education in our time strives to assist young people in finding their talents and gifts. But what of helping them to grapple with shortcomings and weaknesses? Monsignor James Shea, the President of the University of Mary, argues that coming alive to one's limitations is an essential component in the quest for meaning and purpose in life. Leaders go wrong and sometimes cause harm when they try to conceal their shortcomings. But they shine brilliantly when they humbly come to accept their own weakness and turn to their communities and mentors for strength.

Monsignor Shea has served the University of Mary since 2009 and is still - four years later - the youngest college or university president in the United States. He is a farm boy from rural North Dakota, has lived and studied in Washington, D.C. and Rome, and believes in the pursuit of truth and the promise of education.

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