Mission and History
The name Siena honors St. Catherine of Siena, a 14th century Italian Dominican who dedicated her life to a quest for truth and social responsibility. Similarly, the mission of the institution—to help students become more competent, purposeful and ethical—grows out of the philosophy Siena.
Throughout its history, Siena Heights has built a proud tradition of innovative response to challenging social needs. Originally a college for women who intended to become teachers, Siena broadened its offerings over the years and by the 1950s was recognized as one of the nation’s 10 best liberal arts colleges for women.
![Students on bicycles outside Archangelus Hall 1950s,](https://www.sienaheights.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/bicycles-outside-archangelus-1950s-1024x1024.jpg)
The mission of Siena Heights University, a Catholic University founded and sponsored by the Adrian Dominican Sisters, is to assist people to become more competent, purposeful, and ethical through a teaching and learning environment which respects the dignity of all.
Siena Heights University Mission Statement
in 1969...
In 1969, Siena Heights became coeducational and expanded its curriculum to include programs in business and human services. In the 1970s, Siena Heights took a pioneering role in providing opportunities for adult students by offering evening and weekend classes and opening degree completion centers in Southfield, Mich., and in Toledo, Ohio.
On July 1, 1998, Siena Heights College was renamed Siena Heights University.
Timeline
Founded as St. Joseph’s College for women
Renamed Siena Heights College, honoring St. Catherine of Siena, Italy
Became coeducational
Initiated first degree-completion program for working adults in Southfield
Renamed Siena Heights University
Siena Heights University celebrated 100th anniversary.
Past Presidents
![Mother Camilla Madden, OP](https://www.sienaheights.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Camilla-Madden_web-300x300.jpg)
Mother Camilla
Madden, OP
1919-1924
![Mother Augustine Walsh](https://www.sienaheights.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Walsh-8x10-1-300x300.jpg)
Mother Augustine Walsh
1924-1933
![Mother Mary Gerald Barry](https://www.sienaheights.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Barry-17x11-1-300x300.jpg)
Mother Mary Gerald Barry
1933-1957
![Sister Benedicta Marie Ledwidge](https://www.sienaheights.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Ledwidge-8x10-1-300x300.jpg)
Sister Benedicta Marie Ledwidge
1957-1965
![Sister Petronilla Francoeur, OP](https://www.sienaheights.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Francoeur-8x10-1-300x300.jpg)
Sister Petronilla Francoeur, OP
1965-1969
![Dr. Hugh Lee Thompson](https://www.sienaheights.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Hugh-Thompson_web-300x300.jpg)
Dr. Hugh Lee Thompson
1971-1977
![Dr. Louis C. Vaccaro](https://www.sienaheights.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Lou-Vaccaro_web-300x300.jpg)
Dr. Louis C. Vaccaro
1977-1983
![Former University President Dr. Cathleen C. Real.](https://www.sienaheights.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Cathleen-Real_web-300x300.jpg)
Dr. Cathleen C. Real, C.H.M.
1984-1993
![Dr. Richard Artman](https://www.sienaheights.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Rick-Artman_web-300x300.jpg)
Dr. Richard Artman
1994-2006
![](https://www.sienaheights.edu/wp-content/uploads/Peg-Albert_web5-300x300.jpg)
Sister Mary Margaret (Peg) Albert, OP, PhD
2006-2023
![Doug Palmer Photo](https://www.sienaheights.edu/wp-content/uploads/Doug-Palmer_web3-300x300.jpg)
Douglas B. Palmer, PhD
2023-Present
Archive photos
To learn more about Siena Heights History and view more photos from the archives, please visit our Centennial Anniversary website:
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