Mission and History
The name Âé¶¹¸£ÀûÍø honors St. Catherine of Âé¶¹¸£ÀûÍø, a 14th century Italian Dominican who dedicated her life to a quest for truth and social responsibility. Similarly, the mission of the institution—to help students become more competent, purposeful and ethical—grows out of the philosophy Âé¶¹¸£ÀûÍø.
Throughout its history, Âé¶¹¸£ÀûÍø Heights has built a proud tradition of innovative response to challenging social needs. Originally a college for women who intended to become teachers, Âé¶¹¸£ÀûÍø broadened its offerings over the years and by the 1950s was recognized as one of the nation’s 10 best liberal arts colleges for women.

The mission of Âé¶¹¸£ÀûÍø, a Catholic University founded and sponsored by the Adrian Dominican Sisters, is to assist people to become more competent, purposeful, and ethical through a teaching and learning environment which respects the dignity of all.
Âé¶¹¸£ÀûÍø Mission Statement
in 1969...
In 1969, Âé¶¹¸£ÀûÍø Heights became coeducational and expanded its curriculum to include programs in business and human services. In the 1970s, Âé¶¹¸£ÀûÍø Heights took a pioneering role in providing opportunities for adult students by offering evening and weekend classes and opening degree completion centers in Southfield, Mich., and in Toledo, Ohio.
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On July 1, 1998, Âé¶¹¸£ÀûÍø Heights College was renamed Âé¶¹¸£ÀûÍø.
Timeline
Founded as St. Joseph’s College for women
Renamed Âé¶¹¸£ÀûÍø Heights College, honoring St. Catherine of Âé¶¹¸£ÀûÍø, Italy
Became coeducational
Initiated first degree-completion program for working adults in Southfield
Renamed Âé¶¹¸£ÀûÍø
Âé¶¹¸£ÀûÍø celebrated 100th anniversary.
Past Presidents

Mother Camilla
Madden, OP
1919-1924

Mother Augustine Walsh
1924-1933

Mother Mary Gerald Barry
1933-1957

Sister Benedicta Marie Ledwidge
1957-1965

Sister Petronilla Francoeur, OP
1965-1969

Dr. Hugh Lee Thompson
1971-1977

Dr. Louis C. Vaccaro
1977-1983

Dr. Cathleen C. Real, C.H.M.
1984-1993

Dr. Richard Artman
1994-2006

Sister Mary Margaret (Peg) Albert, OP, PhD
2006-2023

Dr. Cheri Betz
Present-2025
