Meet incoming president Dr. Christine Pharr
Posted on June 14, 2017
Dr. Christine Pharr, a higher education administrator with more than 20 years of experience, will become the 12th president in July.
Pharr was officially welcomed during an announcement event Feb. 23, at which time she expressed her enthusiasm for leading the University into the next chapter of its history.
“There is a real joy in telling the story of an institution like Mount Mary that exists to meet the needs of those most in need of an education — an institution that lifts up bold women as the next generation of citizens, workers and leaders,” she said.
For the last year and a half, Pharr has served as vice president for alumnae and donor relations at the College of St. Mary in Omaha, Neb.
Prior to that, she served as vice president for academic affairs at the College of St. Mary, and as academic dean and professor of chemistry at Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho.
“Dr. Pharr is an educator with a strong connection to the mission of Mount Mary University and the charism of the School Sisters of Notre Dame,” said Marie O’Brien, chair of the board of trustees. “Her leadership experience in both academic affairs and alumnae and donor relations, coupled with her ability to articulate a bold yet achievable future, provide Mount Mary with the unique skill set necessary to lead the institution into our next phase of excellence.”
Pharr and her husband, Steve, are thrilled to be joining the Mount Mary community.
“I’m truly honored that Mount Mary University and the School Sisters of Notre Dame have put their trust in my ability to lead Mount Mary into the future,” Pharr said. “It is clear that the charism of the School Sisters resonates throughout the campus.”
A South Dakota native, Pharr holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry from Mount Marty College in Yankton, S.D., a master’s degree in chemistry from the University of South Dakota, and a Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from the University of Idaho.