Leading Ladies: Five women at the top of their fields help steward academic excellence at St. Mary’s

Community
May 08, 2023

Stories by Nathaniel Miller and Leticia Romero

The four deans and vice provost for academic affairs lead many academic aspects of the university.
From left, Nancy LaGreca, Ph.D., Patricia Roberts, J.D.; Teri Beam, Ph.D.; Rowena Ortiz-Walters, Ph.D.; and Carolyn Tubbs, Ph.D.

St. Mary’s University continues to make history.

Since the University’s origins as an all-male school 170 years ago, the faculty, staff and student body of St. Mary’s have transformed.

With the addition of a new School of Science, Engineering and Technology dean in June, women will hold all four dean’s roles as well as the role of vice provost for academic affairs for the first time.

As a Catholic and Marianist university, St. Mary’s fosters the formation of people in faith and educates leaders for the common good. One of the characteristics of Marianist universities is educating for adaptation and change.

Through the stories below, you will meet some change agents helping shape the next generation of leaders.

Read more about the women leading the way at St. Mary's University

Leading Ladies: Teresa Beam gets ready to start new dean’s role

Growing up in Columbia City, Indiana, Teresa “Teri” Beam, Ph.D., was an inquisitive child. Beam found herself fascinated with the sciences, specifically the subject of genetics.

Leading Ladies: Nancy LaGreca seeks inclusivity through humanities

Nancy LaGreca, Ph.D., is no stranger to diversity.  Growing up in Niagara Falls, New York, she heard multiple languages at home — from her father’s Sicilian to her mother’s Slovakian to their common language, English. 

Leading Ladies: Rowena Ortiz-Walters looks to foster growth in business students

Since joining St. Mary’s University as Dean in 2021, Rowena Ortiz-Walters, Ph.D., said her mission is to find ways to be inclusive by fostering a program that welcomes students from all backgrounds. 

Leading Ladies: Patricia Roberts nurtures leaders as the School of Law Dean

When Patricia Roberts, J.D., first came to understand injustices, she was 12 years old. After finding out that some innocent people go to jail, she resolved to become a lawyer and help right some of those wrongs.

Leading Ladies: Carolyn Tubbs relies on open communication as Vice Provost

Working with people of diverse backgrounds on topics requiring intense listening and understanding is something Carolyn Tubbs, Ph.D., has been doing most of her career.

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