Ursuline advances partnership with UEF

The Ursuline School is advancing its application to join the Ursuline Education Foundation (UEF), a national network of Ursuline-sponsored schools, as part of a long-term effort to sustain its mission and strengthen its future.

Founded in 1897 by the Ursuline Sisters, the school remains rooted in its purpose: to educate, inspire, and empower young women in faith, intellect, leadership, and service. That commitment, reflected in the motto Serviam ("I will serve"), remains unchanged.

The current transition reflects an evolution already underway. Today, no Ursuline Sisters serve in day-to-day operations at the school, a shift that has taken place gradually through intentional succession planning. The Sisters remain actively involved as the school's sponsoring body.

"The Ursuline Sisters continue to guide us," said President Dr. Colleen Melnyk. "They are entrusting the mission to a community prepared to carry it forward with care and purpose.”

Joining the UEF aligns The Ursuline School with other Ursuline-sponsored schools that have adopted similar models to ensure long-term continuity of mission and Catholic identity.

"The UEF helps ensure that the mission guiding the education of our young women today will remain strong and clear well into the future."
- Dr. Colleen Melnyk, president

"This is about strengthening what already defines the Ursuline experience for our students," said President Dr. Colleen Melnyk. "The UEF helps ensure that the mission guiding the education of our young women today will remain strong and clear well into the future."

Building understanding across the community

In recent months, the Ursuline community has reflected on its identity and the responsibility of sustaining that mission over time. That reflection continued on January 14, 2026, when faculty and staff gathered in the Auriana Theater for a panel discussion featuring Dr. Melnyk, Sister Jane Finnerty, OSU, and Sister Maureen Welch, OSU. The panel outlined the UEF's role and addressed questions about what the transition means for the school.

Speakers emphasized that the UEF oversees mission and sponsorship, not daily operations, providing clarity about how the school will continue to function while strengthening its foundation.

"The foundation represents a positive and necessary step forward," Dr. Melnyk said during the discussion. Addressing the group of faculty and staff members, Melnyk continued, "It reflects confidence in you, the people who carry out the mission each day."

What the transition means

For current families, the transition ensures continuity in the student experience while strengthening the support behind it. Students will continue to benefit from Ursuline's academic programs, values-based education, and close-knit community, with added access to shared practices and resources across a broader Ursuline network.

For students, this work happens largely behind the scenes, but its impact is meaningful. It helps ensure that the programs, opportunities, and values that shape their daily experience remain strong, consistent, and well-supported over time.

Faculty and staff may see expanded opportunities for professional growth and collaboration. Alumnae connections may also deepen through engagement across the network.

For prospective families, the move reflects long-term stability and a clear commitment to Ursuline education, supported by a broader network that enhances programs, strengthens resources, and connects students to a wider Ursuline community.

Next steps

The school has completed the first two phases of the UEF application process. As part of the next phase, representatives from the Ursuline Education Foundation visited campus on Wednesday, April 29, and Thursday, April 30, 2026. The visit provided an opportunity to observe school life and further assess Ursuline's readiness for membership.

The work underway reflects ongoing planning to support the school's mission and ensure its long-term strength. For students, it reinforces a consistent experience grounded in Ursuline values, both now and in the years ahead.