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St. ��������’s unique approach to mission is faculty-driven, collaborative, and integrative. The three components of the St. �������� mission — Catholic, Women, and Liberal Arts — spring from St. ��������’s founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. In 1905, their vision was an institution that educated women to “do all of which woman is capable and which will most benefit the dear neighbor.”

This vision continues to evolve as St. �������� prepares a new generation of women to take their place as leaders in a world that needs them. Three endowed chairs have been established to ensure that mission permeates the University's curricular and co-curricular offerings.

Endowed Chair in Catholic Identity

Sharon Howell, CSJ

Sharon serves as the director of the Center for Spirituality and Social Justice at St. Kate's and the Endowed Chair in Catholic Identity. As a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet, she brings a love for academia, the church, and serving others to St. Kate’s.

Sister Sharon holds a BS in biology/chemistry from Xavier University, and an MA in pastoral studies from the University of St. Thomas. Before taking her vows in 1985, she was a chemist for 3M, Control Data, and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. From 1995-2004, she served on the Board of Trustees for St. Kate's.

Endowed Chair in Women's Education

Nawojka Lesinski

Nawojka is an Associate Professor of political science at St. Kate's and the Endowed Mission Chair in Women's Education. She has a background in urban and comparative politics, with a particular interest in civil society and social movements. She is proud to be part of such an engaged institution, and is excited to further reinvigorate the St. Kate's public sphere. 

Endowed Chair in the Liberal Arts

Margret McCue-Enser 

Margret is a Professor of communication studies at St. Kate's and the Endowed Mission Chair in Liberal Arts. She brings empathy and enthusiasm for our collective work and the role it serves in our communities. She focuses on gathering and sharing stories about how our work serves communities inside and outside academia, exploring Indigenous and other ontological orientations to learning, and creating opportunities for community members to gather and share what home means to them, including the role this shared university space plays in constituting community.

Each position is funded by an endowment that supports programming. The endowed chairs are collaborating to initiate, plan, and coordinate faculty and staff development opportunities.

We are grateful to the following benefactors who made gifts of $25,000 or more for the endowed mission chairs and program funds: