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New RU President
Sandra Cassady, Ph.D.
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—Thomas F. Hastings, M.D., ’81, chair of the Rockhurst University Board of Trustees The last day of February proved to be a day of firsts for Rockhurst University. That’s when the board of trustees announced to an enthusiastic crowd of students, faculty and staff that Sandra Cassady, Ph.D., would make history as the first female and first lay president of Rockhurst.
Cassady, who earned a Ph.D. in exercise science from the University of Iowa, comes to Rockhurst from St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, where she serves as vice president for strategic initiatives and dean of the College of Health and Human Services. In these roles, she works closely with each division of university administration, including enrollment management, finance and fundraising. In addition to leading the development of new academic programs across the university, she provides oversight for undergraduate, graduate and transfer admissions, advising and academic student services.
“Dr. Cassady’s lengthy record of service in Catholic higher education and health care makes her ideally suited to lead Rockhurst University,” said Thomas F. Hastings, M.D., ’81, chair of the Rockhurst University Board of Trustees. “In addition, her extensive work in higher education accreditation and experience as a faculty member will be invaluable as she assumes her new role.”
At St. Ambrose, a university affiliated with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Davenport, Cassady has led the development of new mission-focused academic programs that strengthen partnerships with area agencies serving the underserved, such as social work and public health.
“Dr. Cassady’s commitment and contribution to the Catholic intellectual tradition has been stellar,” said the Rev. Thomas B. Curran, S.J., president of Rockhurst University. “Her desire to become a companion in our Jesuit way of proceeding, expressed in a faith that does justice, is humbling and gratifying.”
Cassady will officially join Rockhurst July 1.
“I believe a Catholic university president must ensure that the Catholic and religious order identities of the institution remain vibrant, while personifying, articulating and celebrating the Catholic mission of the university,” Cassady said. “The Catholic, Jesuit mission of Rockhurst University and its vision to create a more just world through inclusive, innovative and transformative education are what drew me to Rockhurst and are closely aligned with my own values and experience. I look forward to leading and partnering with the Rockhurst community and greater Kansas City community as we continue the work toward realizing this vision.”
