University of Saint Mary

Nestled in Leavenworth, Kansas, the University of Saint Mary boasts a remarkable legacy rooted in pioneering education and unwavering commitment to its students. Founded by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul in 1858, the institution began by teaching boys and girls before establishing St. Mary's Institute, a groundbreaking educational venture for women, just one year later. This dedication to expanding educational access for women has been a hallmark of its history, evolving from St. Mary's Academy to Saint Mary College.

Over the decades, the university has continuously adapted to meet the needs of a changing world while maintaining its core values. It welcomed men into certain areas of study as early as 1932 and became residentially coeducational in 1988, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to inclusion. The appointment of Arthur Morton Murphy as its first president in 1932 was particularly notable, as he was the first layman to preside over a Catholic college for women in the United States, marking another pioneering step.

Academically, the University of Saint Mary has been at the forefront of educational innovation, notably becoming the first four-year institution to offer a degree completion program in Kansas City in 1974. Its expansion continued with an additional campus in Overland Park and ultimately solidified its comprehensive offerings by changing its name to the University of Saint Mary in 2003. Today, prospective students and families can explore a vibrant campus community that values its historical roots while embracing a dynamic future, preparing graduates for meaningful careers and lives of service.