Paul Fitzgerald believes that we have a unique moral responsibility to promote sustainable development. As the President of University of San Francisco, Fitzgerald continues his scholarly research alongside his administrative responsibilities. During his more than 20 years working in higher education, he has served as the senior vice president for academic affairs at Fairfield University and senior associate dean for the College of Arts and Sciences at Santa Clara University.

Fitzgerald earned a B.A. in History from Santa Clara University in 1980. Fitzgerald serves on several university boards, including the Ecclesiastical Board of the School of Theology and Ministry at Boston College and the Board of Trustees of Loyola University.