Isabelle Cherney, Ph.D., President of Mount Mary University, announced July 15 that she plans to retire on June 30, 2027, at the end of the current academic year. Cherney, who began in July 2022, is Mount Mary's 13th president. She shared this news with the campus community, saying that she will transition from her leadership role at the end of her five-year contract to spend time with her family.
A native of Switzerland, Cherney was drawn to Mount Mary University, in part, because of a long-standing mission to educate, inspire and empower students—many of whom are the first in their families to attend college. Under her leadership, Mount Mary became the first University in Wisconsin to offer reduced credit bachelor's degree programs, expanding course offerings in the technical and workforce development areas, including business analytics, digital marketing, cybersecurity, web development and computer science. The university was recently selected to receive a $1 million grant to expand its Health Science Skills Laboratory, which uses state-of-the-art technology to prepare the next generation of health care professionals for practice.
For three consecutive years, Mount Mary has been ranked among the top two regional universities in the Midwest for social mobility by U.S. News and World Report, reflecting its commitment to preparing graduates for professional success through the transformative power of education. Cherney also led recent development and implementation of a new core curriculum, leading to an increase in student retention.
In 2023 Cherney was instrumental in launching the Institute for the Advancement of Women and Children (IAWC), which stands as a testament to the university's commitment to gender equity and empowerment. The IAWC provides women with the tools, resources and support they need to thrive personally, academically and professionally.
Cherney previously held multiple roles at Merrimack College near Boston, Mass., including vice provost for graduate studies, dean of the School of Education and Social Policy and founding director of the Merrimack Institute for New Teacher Support. She also served in several roles at Creighton University in Omaha, Neb., including professor, director of the honors program, founding director of the EdD in interdisciplinary leadership and associate dean of the Graduate School and College of Professional Studies. A nationally acclaimed researcher, Cherney was invited by the Obama administration on four occasions to participate in White House conferences.
"I am deeply grateful for the work we have accomplished together, and the shared hope we hold for what comes next."
"Since her arrival four years ago, Dr. Cherney has worked collaboratively with the Mount Mary community to keep sharing the story of our successful students who dream beyond what they thought possible," said Sue Bellehumeur, Chair of the Mount Mary University Board of Trustees. "Stepping onto our beautiful campus and talking with students helps us all see the positive impact she has made, and the lives she has helped change during her time at the university."
"Serving as president of this extraordinary university has been one of the greatest honors of my life," said Cherney. "Mount Mary is truly a special place, grounded in faith, committed to justice, and dedicated to the flourishing of each student."
"I am deeply grateful for the work we have accomplished together, and the shared hope we hold for what comes next," she added.
The University's Board of Trustees has engaged a search firm to begin the process of selecting a new president and will announce additional details in the coming weeks. Updates and a portal for input will be available on the Presidential Search web page.