November 16, 2022 – Sandra Cassady, Ph.D., officially assumed her role as the 15th president of Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Mo., following an inauguration ceremony on Nov. 11.
In a Mass at St. Francis Xavier Church to begin the events, Cassady was missioned by the Very Rev. Thomas P. Greene, SJ, provincial superior of the Jesuits USA Central and Southern Province, who entrusted her with the university in its capacity as a work of the Society of Jesus.
In her inauguration speech, Cassady emphasized the importance of bettering both our communities and our world at large. She also expressed her eagerness to join Rockhurst’s mission in creating a just word through personal and academic experience. “I am honored to work alongside my Rockhurst companions, and I am honored to serve as president at Rockhurst University.”
Father Thomas B. Curran, SJ, Rockhurst’s immediate past president, said about a scarf sent from the Vatican Observatory, “May [this gift] help you connect to [St.] Ignatius [Loyola], who drew consolation almost every evening by gazing among the stars,” Fr. Curran said.
Cassady brings three decades of experience in higher education to the role, including administration and development knowledge from her time as dean of the College of Health and Human Services at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa.