For 100 years, Brescia University has shaped Owensboro through education, service, and innovation. What began in 1925 as a small junior college for women has grown into a thriving institution, adapting to meet the needs of each generation. From welcoming WWII veterans to pioneering online programs, Brescia’s legacy is one of resilience and transformation — proving that education is not just about the past, but the future.
A legacy of growth and adaptability
Brescia’s journey began in 1925 on the grounds of Mount Saint Joseph in Maple Mount. At the time, it was called Mount Saint Joseph Junior College for Women. After World War II and the Korean War, a surge of veterans seeking education on the GI Bill created a demand for expanded higher education opportunities in Owensboro.
Recognizing this need, the Ursuline Sisters moved the junior college to Owensboro in the 1950s, transforming it into a four-year, co-educational institution.
“The GI Bill guys literally came to Sister Leona and said, ‘Can you do this?’ And it was like, ‘Let’s make it happen,’” Sister Sharon Sullivan said. “If there was a need that could be met, they wanted to meet it. It wasn’t just about starting a college; it was about fulfilling a mission to provide access to education for those who needed it most.”
From those early years, Brescia quickly gained a reputation for excellence in business and education, two programs that remain strong today. Over time, the university expanded its offerings, incorporating graduate programs and embracing online education to ensure its continued relevance in an ever-changing world.
“We have a lot more now, even into graduate school, because we are a university now,” Sister Pam Mueller said. “We’re always looking at what the community needs and finding ways to provide it. Education is about more than just classes – it’s about giving students the skills and knowledge they need to make a difference in the world.”
While Brescia has long been known for its academics and service, athletics became a formal part of campus life in the 1980s. Before that, sports were limited to intramurals and club teams. Today, Brescia fields several programs in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, embracing the role athletics play in student life and recruitment.
“We’ve been undefeated in football for 50 years,” Sullivan joked. “Of course, we’ve never had a football team. It’s a fun little tradition that reminds us of where we’ve been and where we’re going.”
Ursuline influence and the Brescia difference
The Ursuline Sisters played a pivotal role in the university’s development, guiding it through decades of change while staying true to its founding mission. Brescia’s first four presidents — Sisters Joan Marie Lechner, George Ann Cecil, Ruth Gehres, and Vivian Bowles — oversaw its transition from a small college to a university. Their leadership laid the foundation for Brescia’s commitment to meeting students where they are and helping them succeed.
“The Brescia difference is about recognizing needs and adapting to meet them,” incoming President Madison Silvert said. “That adaptability is what allows this university to thrive. Other schools that have struggled did so because they remained stagnant, but that has never been the Brescia way. This institution has never been afraid of change. It has never been afraid to take risks to ensure that students have access to the education they deserve.”
This commitment to adaptability has led to initiatives such as its online degree programs, a first-of-its-kind articulation agreement with community colleges, and the continued expansion of graduate offerings, including the upcoming physician assistant program in partnership with Owensboro Health.
“Reading the signs and adapting to those signs – that’s the Ursuline way,” said Carl Greenwell, a Brescia alum and owner of Greenwell-Chisholm Printing Co. “It’s what keeps Brescia at the forefront. The university doesn’t just react to change, it anticipates it and stays ahead of the curve.”
A university shaping the future of the community
Brescia’s influence extends far beyond its campus. Generations of graduates have gone on to serve in key roles in education, healthcare, business, and public service. The university has produced award-winning educators, prominent judges, and business leaders who have shaped Owensboro’s growth and development.
Brescia’s legacy is not just in the number of degrees conferred but in the impact its graduates make. Former Daviess County Judge-Executive Al Mattingly, Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Candance Brake, and Hardin County Superintendent Terry Morgan — who was recently named Kentucky Association of School Administrators Superintendent of the Year — are just a few notable alumni who have carried Brescia’s mission forward.
“We graduate important people — not necessarily celebrities or politicians, but people who take care of us,” Silvert said. “That has always been Brescia’s bread and butter. These are the individuals who shape our communities in ways that often go unnoticed but are absolutely essential.”
The next 100 years
As Brescia enters its second century, the university remains committed to its core values while continuing to innovate. Efforts to expand educational access, particularly for first-generation and minority students, are a priority. Silvert emphasized that the university’s future lies in staying true to its mission.
“Higher education changes quickly, and the schools that succeed are the ones that recognize that,” he said. “We must continue to create programs and opportunities that allow students to experience and express the Brescia difference. That means constantly looking for ways to improve, expand, and reach new students who might not have had access to higher education otherwise.”
Fr. Larry Hostetter, who is stepping down as president after 18 years, reflected on the university’s progress.
“What started as a junior college for women has become a leader in education, service, and innovation,” he said. “Brescia’s future is bright because it will continue to evolve and meet the needs of the world. The next century holds endless possibilities, and I have no doubt that Brescia will rise to the occasion, just as it always has.”
As Brescia University celebrates 100 years, its legacy stands as a testament to the power of faith-driven education, community commitment, and an unwavering dedication to making a difference. The next century holds limitless possibilities for a university that has always been defined by its ability to adapt, grow, and serve. OL
