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Saint Norbert College

De Pere, WI

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Docere Verbo et Exemplo(To teach by word and example)

1898
Founded
Private liberal arts college
Type
1,749
Total Students
1,970
Undergrad
62
Graduate
$204M
Endowment
(2025)
$44K
Tuition (In-State)
$44K
Tuition (Out-State)
$26K
Avg Net Price
92%
Acceptance Rate
74%
Graduation Rate
6-year
82%
Retention Rate
Baccalaureate Colleges
Classification
President: Laurie Joyner

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Saint Norbert College

Saint Norbert: The world's only college sponsored by the Premonstratensian order.

Step into the unique world of Saint Norbert College, a distinguished private liberal arts institution with a legacy unlike any other. Founded in 1898 by Abbot Bernard Pennings, a Dutch immigrant priest, it began with a mission to train young men for the priesthood, quickly expanding to include a commerce program for lay students. What truly sets Saint Norbert apart is its status as the world's first and only institution of higher learning sponsored by the venerable Premonstratensian order, offering a deeply rooted tradition of service and intellectual pursuit.

Throughout its history, Saint Norbert has been a beacon of academic innovation and growth. Early leaders like Robert Christin shaped its academic foundation by implementing the current course system and a robust academic divisional structure. Later, President Neil Webb secured the college's future by establishing its first permanent endowment, ensuring resources for generations of students. This commitment to continuous improvement has fostered an environment where students thrive, engaging with a rich curriculum designed to develop well-rounded individuals.

The campus itself is a testament to the college's forward-thinking vision and dedication to the student experience. Under President Thomas Manion, enrollment soared past 2,000, accompanied by significant expansions in facilities and academic programs. More recently, the campus has seen the construction of state-of-the-art facilities like the Mulva Family Fitness & Sports Center, the Gehl-Mulva Science Center, and the Mulva Library, providing modern spaces for learning, research, and community life. These developments underscore Saint Norbert's commitment to providing an exceptional environment for its students.

Today, Saint Norbert College continues to build on its proud heritage, guided by its motto, "Docere Verbo et Exemplo" (To Teach by Word and Example). In a historic milestone, Laurie Joyner became the college's ninth president in July 2023, and its first female president, leading Saint Norbert into a new era of growth and distinction while upholding its foundational values.

Key Highlights

  • Established in 1898 as the world's first and only institution of higher learning sponsored by the Premonstratensian order.
  • A private liberal arts college upholding the motto: "Docere Verbo et Exemplo" (To Teach by Word and Example).
  • Boasts an endowment of $0.2 billion, supporting its mission and growth.
  • Enrollment successfully topped 2,000 students under the leadership of President Thomas Manion.
  • Features state-of-the-art facilities including the Mulva Family Fitness & Sports Center, Gehl-Mulva Science Center, and Mulva Library.
  • Welcomed Laurie Joyner in 2023 as its ninth president and the first female president in the college's history.

Timeline

1898
St. Norbert College was founded by Abbot Bernard Pennings.
1955
Abbot Bernard Pennings retired from his role.
1968
Robert Christin became president, implementing the current course system and academic divisional structure.
1973
Neil Webb became president and established the first permanent endowment for the school.
1983
Thomas Manion began his presidency, leading to significant expansion of facilities and academic programs, with enrollment topping 2,000.
2008
Thomas Kunkel became president, overseeing the construction of major campus facilities like the Mulva Family Fitness & Sports Center and Gehl-Mulva Science Center.
2017
Brian J. Bruess, a 1990 graduate, became president.
2023
Laurie Joyner became St. Norbert College's ninth president and the college's first female president.
🏛️
128 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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