“I do not seek to follow in the footsteps of those of old. I seek the things they sought.” Matsuo Basho
Nestled in Montana, the University of Providence is a renowned private Roman Catholic university that empowers students in their pursuit of academic excellence in an innovative environment. By providing an enriched education that extends beyond the classroom and promotes personal growth, the institution produces active citizens who discover their full potential, identify their areas of interest, and share it with the rest of the world.
Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, UP’s admissions team carefully considers each prospective student’s potential, and discusses the level of support they can offer UP strives to give first-generation students the opportunity of higher education when they otherwise didn’t see it in their future.
Father Oliver Doyle’s Professional Journey
Father Oliver Doyle leads the institution as president, ensuring UP stays true to its mission of serving those who are underserved. Doyle, an Ireland native, came to Montana in 1999 after several years of teaching theology, history, and communications abroad, including Wexford, Ireland and Rome, Italy. In 1988, Doyle was named Vice President of St. Peter’s College, a diocesan institution that also served as a significant seminary (where he was named Rector), where nearly 600 high school students received their education. He was named the college’s president six years later. Doyle joined UP, then known as the University of Great Falls, in 2011 as adjunct professor of theology, and has since welcomed students back each year, becoming president in 2019. When Doyle has some free time, he enjoys playing the piano in Trinitas Chapel.
Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Providence
The compassion, dignity, justice, excellence, and integrity that are ingrained in the University of Providence’s fundamental principles are directly aligned with efforts to create an environment on campus that encourages interaction among people with diverse identities and life experiences. UP is dedicated to fostering diverse learning, living, and working environments, promoting everyone’s achievement, and providing support for students from all walks of life for everyone.
To foster an environment of empathy and respect for all, they work to create opportunities for students, professors, staff, and other stakeholders to consider their own viewpoints while evaluating those of others.
At UP, they work to draw attention to the issues and concerns of underrepresented and marginalized students, faculty, and staff while also encouraging others to engage in inevitable unpleasant dialogues when they are necessary.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the University of Providence
UP was well equipped to adapt to the changing environment brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. UP already had several online classes, making the switch of in-person classes to be fully online, easy.
UP also initiated a “Together as Argos Pledge,” to help foster a sense of community while students, staff, and faculty stayed at home throughout the pandemic.
Overcoming the Hurdles Along the Way
The primary challenge facing the university is enrollment. However, by seeking strategic partnerships with entities that can bring new pipelines of students to our programs, such as businesses, the government, the military, and other universities, we expand the university’s attractiveness to a wider array of students. Additionally, the team at UP works to promote responsiveness by using creative programming and the agility seen exclusively at smaller, more agile institutions.
What’s on the card?
The vibrant multidisciplinary community at UP is dedicated to shaping and educating students who may not have had the opportunity to find success in higher education otherwise. They are further planning to continue to respond to the demands of the present and offer professional opportunities in healthcare and mission integration while staying true to their founding ideals as a liberal arts college. As a result of strategic partnerships with businesses and educational institutions, they will deliver quality education both in person and virtually.
