Next president of Mount Mary University specializes in effects of gender on STEM careers

Devi Shastri, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
·2 min read
Isabelle Cherney was named Mount Mary University's 13th president Thursday. She will start the role July 1.
Isabelle Cherney was named Mount Mary University's 13th president Thursday. She will start the role July 1.

Mount Mary University announced Thursday that social scientist Isabelle Cherney will be its 13th president, succeeding Christine Pharr on July 1.

Cherney previously served as vice provost for graduate education at Merrimack College near Boston. Before that, she served as the dean of Merrimack's Winston School of Education and Social Policy — where she oversaw the doubling of the number of students enrolled despite the COVID-19 pandemic — and the founding director of the Merrimack Institute for New Teacher Support.

She also spent time at Creighton University in Omaha, where she taught, directed the honors program and an interdisciplinary doctoral program in leadership, and ultimately served as associate dean of the Graduate School and College of Professional Studies.

Her research work has focused on the effects of gender on science, technology, engineering and math education, and pathways to jobs in those careers.

More: Mount Mary University President Christine Pharr announces plan to retire

In the university's announcement of her hiring, Cherney said she expects to put a high priority on growing and supporting the university's partnerships with the community, including with regional and national governmental, religious and private organizations.

Her previous experience also includes establishing early-college and dual degree programs that give high schoolers exposure to college classes.

“I am excited at the prospect of being able to shape the goals around women’s education to inspire and transform not only women, but society as a whole," Cherney said in a statement.

Cherney earned her bachelor's degree in psychology at Creighton University, her master's in developmental psychology from the University of Nebraska Omaha and doctorate educational psychology and cultural studies from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

“Dr. Cherney’s professional accomplishments reflect her deep appreciation for educating the whole person, the importance of life-long learning, the Catholic intellectual tradition and charisms, the promotion of peace, social justice, truth, global citizenship and the common good,” said Stephanie Russell, president of the university's board.

Contact Devi Shastri at 414-224-2193 or DAShastri@jrn.com. Follow her on Twitter at @DeviShastri.

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Mount Mary University names president who specializes in STEM research