For the past year, Joseph Foy, PhD, has served as Alverno’s interim president, leading with purpose, thoughtfulness and above all, humility.
Foy was named vice president for Academic Affairs in the spring of 2020, beginning his appointment just weeks after the coronavirus pandemic forced the College to rethink how it could safely deliver its curriculum in the engaged, attentive manner that is one of the hallmarks of an Alverno education. Challenging as those first few months were, Foy navigated the upheaval with principled leadership and careful consideration, resolving to meet the needs of students and faculty alike.
He also led the transition back to in-person learning, balancing the precautions necessary to ensure everyone’s safety with the need to reintroduce a sense of community.
It was because of his steadfast leadership through these unimaginable challenges that he was asked to serve as interim president while a national search to identify Alverno’s ninth president was conducted. Now, as he prepares to begin his appointment as the 13th president of Benedictine University in Lisle, Ill., Foy leaves a legacy of kindness, collaboration and dedicated service.
A Year of Triumph
Under Joseph Foy’s leadership, Alverno realized the following student- and mission-centered initiatives throughout the past year:
- Launching the Kohl’s Scholars program, which awarded $5,000 scholarships to five students majoring in business, communication or STEM fields.
- Teaming up with Outlier.org to make the transfer student experience as seamless as possible by recognizing the work they’ve completed and keeping them on track for graduation.
- Releasing the Wisconsin Women in Public Life — Elected Officials report, shedding light on women in public office, the various pathways they took to achieve success, and the challenges they overcame while running for office.
- Celebrating the grand opening of the greenhouse, which offers students an opportunity to engage in hands-on learning, participate in research projects, and explore new career paths in food, urban agriculture, water research, conservation and human services industries.
- Securing a $2.89 million grant to increase the number of highly trained, bilingual, and racially and ethnically diverse school-based mental health professionals.
- Receiving a $360,000 grant to help offset the costs of on-campus child care for undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need.
Appreciation From Colleagues
“Joe is a deeply appreciated member of the Alverno community who has led us through the incredible challenge of the pandemic and leadership transitions. His care for our students, Alverno's curriculum, and the values of the School Sisters of St. Francis were apparent in all he did. While I am personally saddened to see Joe leave our community, I am truly excited for our friend and mentor to be given the opportunity to fully extend his leadership at an excellent institution like Benedictine.”
-Jodi Eastberg, acting vice president of Academic Affairs and dean of the School of Professional and Graduate Studies
"Dr. Joe Foy has been a wonderful interim president whose unwavering kindness and compassion for everyone at the college was a continual beacon of light through the uncertain times of the COVID-19 pandemic, which hit as he began his time at Alverno. Joe has pushed the school culture to a more transparent, collaborative and inclusive workplace. He has been incredibly accessible and responsive while working to hear and meet the individual and collective needs of Alverno. He has been inspirational through his well-written and engaging speeches, his emails (which always read as a story with an engaging metaphor or historical context), and his friendly, approachable demeanor when he interacts with everyone, all while making them feel like they have his undivided attention. It has been a pleasure and honor serving Alverno with Joe.”
-Thor Stolen, PhD, past president of the faculty senate
“Dr. Foy has been a guardian of the Alverno mission. He leads with intellectual brilliance coupled with his forward-thinking approach to vision. His expression of humanity is evident in his ability to listen, clarify and digest any content. His support of my leadership and visionary approach were vital in the strategic path forward for Career Studio.”
-Cheryl Moore, PhD, executive director of Career Development
“Joe Foy was instrumental in holding space for the tough conversations that Alverno College needed to have around many of our pressing needs and considerations around diversity, equity and inclusion practices. Serving alongside Joe as a co-director of DEI, we connected with different audiences from students to the Board, staff, and faculty and it was evident that Joe possesses a level of patience and kindness, allowing everyone with a connection to Alverno to see themselves in this work. I have learned from Joe a deeper understanding of a beloved community in a time of uncertainty.”
-Alexis Outlaw ’09, assistant director of Admissions
