(SAN ANTONIO, Texas) \u2014 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 Coraz\u00f3n in Puerto Rico.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The partnership emerges at a moment of significant transformation in global higher education. In \u201cDrawing New Maps of Hope,\u201d Pope Leo XIV writes that today\u2019s complex, fragmented educational landscape calls for renewed cooperation and innovation. He describes \u201ceducational constellations\u201d 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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\u2019s campus. You can view a recording of the event here.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThis strategic partnership demonstrates the extraordinary power of mission-driven institutions working together,\u201d said Susan R. Burns, Ph.D., president of the University of Mount Saint Vincent. \u201cAs 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\u2019s students.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The alliance establishes new academic pathways and shared initiatives, including but not limited to:\u00a0<\/p>\n
Joint Degree Programs: Coordinated pathways allowing students to earn degrees or certificates from multiple institutions.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Academic Mobility: Opportunities for students to complete part of their program at one institution and transition to another for degree completion.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Faculty and Staff Development: Professional development, faculty exchanges, and mission-aligned collaboration to strengthen innovation and student success across campuses.\u00a0<\/p>\n