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September 12, 2025

La Roche University Celebrates Inauguration of Dr. Christina A. Clark as Eighth President

Dr. Christina Clark delivers inauguration event
PITTSBURGH, Sept. 12, 2025 – Today La Roche University formally installed Christina A. Clark, Ph.D., as its eighth president during a historic inauguration ceremony, marking a new chapter of leadership rooted in mission, innovation, and inclusive excellence.

Held in the Mother of Divine Providence Chapel, the ceremony welcomed more than 400 guests, including university delegates from across Pennsylvania and beyond, elected officials, members of the Sisters of Divine Providence, students, faculty, trustees, alumni, and community leaders.

Dr. Clark concluded her inaugural address with a compelling vision for La Roche’s future—one that honors its Catholic heritage while embracing bold, people-centered innovation.

“Let us imagine, together, what comes next. Let us imagine extraordinary possibilities—not for prestige, but for people. Not for monuments, but for mission,” Dr. Clark said. “Let us be a university where faith and reason, identity and inclusion, tradition and innovation meet—not in tension, but in transformation. This is our moment. Our legacy is in motion, and it’s ours to carry forward together.”

The inauguration was the culmination of “Imagine the Extraordinary Possibilities: Our Legacy in Motion,” a weeklong celebration that included academic symposia, student events, service projects, and mission-driven programming reflecting the values and spirit of La Roche.

As the University’s founding congregation, the Sisters of Divine Providence played a central role throughout the inaugural events.

“Dr. Clark’s inauguration represents a pivotal moment in La Roche’s ongoing story,” said Sister Michele Bisbey, CDP ’71, Ph.D., Vice Chair of the La Roche Board of Trustees and Provincial Director for the Sisters of Divine Providence. “Her steadfast commitment to peace, justice, and inclusion reflects the core values of our community. We are confident that under her leadership, La Roche will continue to thrive as a university grounded in faith, academic excellence, and service.”

Lyle D. Albaugh, Chair of the La Roche Board of Trustees, applauded Dr. Clark’s transformative leadership.

“Today we celebrate not only Dr. Clark’s formal inauguration, but the extraordinary energy, purpose, and vision she brings to La Roche,” Mr. Albaugh said. “In a short time, she has driven significant progress—expanding access, deepening our mission, and positioning La Roche as a leader in ethical innovation. Her leadership honors our past and boldly embraces the future.”

Appointed in 2024, Dr. Clark is La Roche’s second lay president and brings over two decades of experience in higher education leadership, academic administration, and faculty development.

Since taking office, she has launched several strategic initiatives, including:

  • Direct admission to expand student access
  • Creation of the Division of Mission and Ministry to strengthen ties with the Sisters of Divine Providence
  • Founding of the Ketteler Center for Peace, Justice, and Inclusion
Under Dr. Clark’s leadership, La Roche is taking significant steps to prepare students for an AI-integrated workforce. She has championed a university-wide strategy that integrates ethical and practical AI competencies across all disciplines, with the goal of ensuring every graduate demonstrates AI fluency by 2025—meeting the growing demand for foundational AI knowledge in today’s job market.

Her tenure also has driven record-breaking advancement outcomes:
  • A 750% increase in funds raised over the previous year
  • Launch of 10 new undergraduate scholarships
  • Secured $2 million for the University Excellence Fund
  • Expanded support for student veterans
  • Achieved three transformational seven-figure gifts
Prior to joining La Roche, Dr. Clark served as Provost at Marywood University and as Dean at Marymount University. A respected classicist and scholar, she holds a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University, and master’s and doctoral degrees in classics from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

About La Roche University: An independent liberal arts university in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, La Roche University offers 71 undergraduate programs of study, eight master’s degrees and two doctoral degrees, with particular strengths in education, business, criminal justice, psychology, nursing, and health and medical sciences as well as interior architecture & design and graphic design. This residential university provides a vibrant campus community for women and men enjoying multiple student organizations and an exciting NCAA Div. III athletics program. Founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1963, La Roche University embraces its Catholic heritage while welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds. With a legacy of social justice and a commitment to international exchange, La Roche University educates students to be lifelong learners and achievers in an increasingly diverse and global society.

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