Meet Christy L. Brown, J.D.
Alverno's ninth president
Milwaukee native begins tenure with 2023-2024 academic year
Alverno’s history as a women’s college is one of the many reasons that Christy L. Brown was attracted to the presidency.
“We know this environment provides benefits for young people and for women, because they won’t have that environment when they go out into the real world,” she says.
Alverno College’s Board of Trustees unanimously selected the Milwaukee native and local executive to succeed Sister Andrea Lee, IHM, Ph.D. who ended her service in June 2022. Brown
served previously as Chief Executive Officer for Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast (GSWISE) since 2012. She began her tenure at Alverno in July of 2023.
Other strengths that Brown sees at Alverno are the 8 Abilities, the diversity of the student body, the Franciscan values that center on social
justice and equity, and the dedication of faculty and staff.
“I was completely blown away by how much they care about Alverno, the students and their learning,” she says. “I think some of the awards and recognition that Alverno has
received over the years are a testament to that level of dedication and caring.”
Together, these are the reasons that inspire students to choose Alverno – and Brown wants the world to take note.
“I feel like on some level, Alverno is still a very well-kept secret and we need for people not only in our community but outside of our community to understand what a jewel it
is,” she says. “I’ve always admired Alverno from afar, and during this process, I learned so much more about it and how much people love it. And now I love it, too.”
Building on Alverno’s strengths, she will drive academic excellence and innovation, continue to attract courageous and forward-thinking students who look to develop themselves and
contribute to their communities, and expand Alverno’s national and international reputation.
Read more about President Brown's background and experience as published in Alverno Magazine.
Alverno's Foundation for Learning
For nearly 50 years, Alverno's ability-based curriculum has been described as innovative and revolutionary. We believe the real benefit of knowledge is knowing how to apply it, which is why we integrate eight core abilities into our curriculum. The 8 Abilities are the foundation of the Alverno experience, and the students practice these essential skills throughout their educational journey, working toward mastery. Ultimately, the 8 Abilities are what give our students and alums the power to stand apart from the crowd and to succeed both personally and professionally.
Alverno is deeply rooted in the Milwaukee community it calls home. It carries the distinction of being Wisconsin's first Hispanic-Serving Institution. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive environment where differences of all kinds are celebrated and embraced.
Ready for what's next
