Laurie M. Joyner, Ph.D., ninth president of SNC background

St. Norbert College Presidential Inauguration

Laurie M. Joyner, Ph.D.

Welcoming our ninth president

The St. Norbert College Board of Trustees is proud to announce and celebrate the inauguration of the college's ninth president – Laurie M. Joyner, Ph.D.


Presidential Inauguration
Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024
St. Norbert Abbey | St. Norbert College Campus

For all portions of this event requiring registration, invitees have received a link to sign up online by Sept. 20.

Inauguration details

Wednesday, Oct. 9


Norbertine Timeline Tunnel Walk
3 p.m.
Meet outside Fort Howard Theater in F.K. Bemis International Center, St. Norbert College

Michael Holstead, director of the Center for Norbertine Studies, will guide the group through a series of images portraying the history of the Norbertine Order and the college

The talk will last approximately 30 minutes and refreshments will be served.

Heritage Week Lecture
4 p.m.
F. K. Bemis International Center, Fort Howard Theater, St. Norbert College

St. Norbert College alumnus and associate professor of philosophy at the University of Notre Dame John O’Callaghan will present "The Catholic Intellectual Tradition: Living Gift or Museum Curiosity?"

Thursday, Oct. 10


Mass of Thanksgiving
10:30 a.m.
St. Norbert Abbey

Pre-Inaugural Luncheon
12:30 p.m.
Michels Commons Ballroom, St. Norbert College
By invitation only

Inauguration Ceremony 
2:30 p.m.
Walter Theatre, St. Norbert College

Inaugural Reception
Immediately following ceremony
Baer Mall, St. Norbert College (Rain site is Ray Van Den Heuvel Family Campus Center, St. Norbert College)

Post-Inaugural Dinner
5:30 p.m. cocktail hour; 6:30 p.m. dinner
F. K. Bemis International Center, Hendrickson Dining Room, St. Norbert College
By invitation only

St. Norbert College is a Catholic liberal arts college known for its academic excellence, vibrant campus life and focus on a holistic student experience. The college was founded by Abbot Bernard Pennings, O.Praem., in 1898, and remains the only Norbertine institution of higher learning in the world. It is widely recognized as a model for education that is founded on rigorous scholarship and informed by values.

St. Norbert College embraces the expansive ideal of Communio, defining it as a deeply experienced sense of community that supports an educational environment fostering intellectual, spiritual, social and personal development, both in and outside the classroom. Communio challenges the entire campus community to engage in open dialogue, consultation and collaboration, and urges all members to show respect, mutual esteem, trust, sincerity, faith and responsibility. The college promotes the development of the whole person by cultivating practices of study, reflection, prayer, wellness, play and action.

In all aspects of campus life, students are encouraged to test and strengthen their moral convictions; act with personal integrity; develop meaningful personal goals; and build relationships based on mutual respect. Student achievement is supported through a world-class honors program, internships, study abroad and research fellowships. The college’s distinguished faculty are active researchers and creators. Exceptional teaching and innovative programming, together with unprecedented investments in facilities, have transformed the student experience in recent years, allowing creative, highly engaged scholars to flourish.

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  • “St. Norbert College, the only Norbertine liberal arts college in the world, is highly respected for its academic excellence, strong liberal arts foundation and commitment to Norbertine and Catholic values. Our mission is at the heart of all endeavors, and these values shape students for both successful careers and meaningful leadership in their communities.”

    “St. Norbert College, the only Norbertine liberal arts college in the world, is highly respected for its academic excellence, strong liberal arts foundation and commitment to Norbertine and Catholic values. Our mission is at the heart of all endeavors, and these values shape students for both successful careers and meaningful leadership in their communities.”

About President Joyner

Laurie M. Joyner, Ph.D., became the ninth president of St. Norbert College in July 2023. She previously served as president of St. Xavier University and Wittenberg University, and held leadership roles at Rollins College and Loyola University New Orleans, earning her bachelor's degree from the latter. Joyner holds master's and doctoral degrees in sociology from Tulane University. A noted leader in Catholic higher education, she serves on the board of the Association of Catholic Colleges & Universities. Joyner is a two-time recipient of POWER 50, honoring the most influential female executives around Dayton, Ohio, and she received the Woman of Distinction Award from the Girl Scouts of Western Ohio.