(SAN ANTONIO, Texas) — The University of Mount Saint Vincent (UMSV) in the Bronx joined three other Catholic universities in the U.S. and Puerto Rico today to launch a bold new partnership to expand academic pathways, enhance student mobility, and strengthen mission-driven collaboration across regions. The alliance, CHARISM: Catholic Higher Education Alliance of Rising Institutions in Service and Mission, brings together UMSV in New York, the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) in Texas, Dominican University in Illinois, and Universidad del Sagrado Corazón in Puerto Rico.
The partnership emerges at a moment of significant transformation in global higher education. In “Drawing New Maps of Hope,” Pope Leo XIV writes that today’s complex, fragmented educational landscape calls for renewed cooperation and innovation. He describes “educational constellations” that serve as lifelines and guiding beacons. Inspired by this call, the four universities, each Catholic, Hispanic-Serving, Minority-Serving, founded by women religious leaders in major metropolitan areas, and deeply rooted in mission, have united to form a new constellation of opportunity.
The official launch of the CHARISM alliance was commemorated during a signing ceremony featuring the presidents of all four universities. The event was held on Monday, December 8, at UIW’s campus. You can view a recording of the event here.
“This strategic partnership demonstrates the extraordinary power of mission-driven institutions working together,” said Susan R. Burns, Ph.D., president of the University of Mount Saint Vincent. “As Catholic, Hispanic-Serving universities founded by women religious leaders, we share a deep commitment to meeting learners when, where, and how they need us. By joining our strengths, we are opening new pathways, programs, and opportunities across the country and the world, creating high-impact learning experiences that honor our shared heritage and respond to the evolving needs of today’s students.”
The alliance establishes new academic pathways and shared initiatives, including but not limited to:
Joint Degree Programs: Coordinated pathways allowing students to earn degrees or certificates from multiple institutions.
Academic Mobility: Opportunities for students to complete part of their program at one institution and transition to another for degree completion.
Faculty and Staff Development: Professional development, faculty exchanges, and mission-aligned collaboration to strengthen innovation and student success across campuses.
Founded in 1847 by the Sisters of Charity of New York, UMSV offers a nationally recognized liberal arts education and professional programs rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition. The university is an industry leader in affordability, access, and social mobility, serving one of the highest percentages of Pell-eligible and first-generation students in the nation.