Sister Andrea Lee, IHM, Ph.D, former president of St. Catherine University in Minneapolis-St. Paul, became the new president of Alverno College over the summer, succeeding Dr. Mary J. Meehan who had served as president since 2004.
“Alverno College already enjoys the respect and international visibility it deserves as a recognized pioneer of pedagogical innovation and undergraduate teaching excellence,” said Lee. “What a joy and honor it will be to lead the college to the next level of academic distinction and to advance Alverno’s fine reputation as a vital member of the Milwaukee community.”
During Lee’s nearly two-decade tenure at St. Catherine, overall enrollment increased by nearly 30 percent and philanthropic support increased substantially – funding growth in academic programs, student scholarships and university facilities.
“We are incredibly proud to have a leader of this caliber to take Alverno College into the future,” said Mr. Don Layden, chair of the Alverno College Board of Trustees and chair of the presidential search committee. “As she has throughout her exemplary career, Dr. Lee’s thoughtful, collaborative, and strategic leadership will have a lasting impact on our students and our community, and continue to put Milwaukee and Alverno on the map for innovation in higher education.”
Lee, 68, is no stranger to Alverno College, where she served on the Board of Trustees from 2012 through 2015. Prior to her tenure at St. Catherine, Lee worked at Marygrove College in Detroit where she served in several administrative leadership roles.
Highly regarded in higher education circles, Lee holds four academic degrees, including a doctorate in educational administration from The Pennsylvania State University and undergraduate degrees in music, elementary education and Italian.
Lee is a member of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary; the adoptive mother of a son from Haiti; and proud grandmother of two young boys. A soccer fan and avid bicyclist, she is also an accomplished liturgical musician.
