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.

Students on bicycles outside Archangelus Hall 1950s,

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

Mother Camilla
Madden, OP

1919-1924

Mother Augustine Walsh

Mother Augustine Walsh

1924-1933

Mother Mary Gerald Barry

Mother Mary Gerald Barry

1933-1957

Sister Benedicta Marie Ledwidge

Sister Benedicta Marie Ledwidge

1957-1965

Sister Petronilla Francoeur, OP

Sister Petronilla Francoeur, OP

1965-1969

Dr. Hugh Lee Thompson

Dr. Hugh Lee Thompson

1971-1977

Dr. Louis C. Vaccaro

Dr. Louis C. Vaccaro

1977-1983

Former University President Dr. Cathleen C. Real.

Dr. Cathleen C. Real, C.H.M.

1984-1993

Dr. Richard Artman

Dr. Richard Artman

1994-2006

Sister Mary Margaret (Peg) Albert, OP, PhD

2006-2023

Dr. Cheri Betz

Dr. Cheri Betz

Present-2025