“To lead Alverno College – embracing its unique identity, Franciscan values, dedication to women’s education and commitment to social justice, inclusion and equity – will be a privilege and extraordinary opportunity to continue to impact the city from which I come.”
-Christy Brown, JD
Alverno College’s Board of Trustees announced on April 19, 2023 that they unanimously selected Milwaukee native and local executive Christy L. Brown, JD as the College’s ninth president. She succeeds Sister Andrea Lee, IHM, Ph.D. who ended her service in June 2022.
Brown has served as Chief Executive Officer for Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast (GSWISE) since 2012. With more than 17,000 members, GSWISE provides programming in seven area counties designed to build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.
Prior to joining GSWISE, Brown served as Vice Chancellor, Finance and Administrative Affairs, at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee from 2007 to 2012 and as Executive Vice President and General Counsel at Milwaukee Area Technical College from 2002 to 2007. She also served as Vice President, South East Region and Corporate Counsel, for Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan from 1997 to 2002, and as an Associate Attorney with Michael Best & Friedrich from 1994 to 1997.
Like many Alverno students, Brown was a first-generation college student. She graduated from Stanford University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 1987. With a passion for learning and scholarly achievement, she then pursued a joint-degree graduate program earning in 1994 both her Juris Doctor from Duke University School of Law and a Master of Arts in Humanities with a focus on African American History and Women’s Studies from Duke University Graduate School.
Brown started her term July 5. 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.
