Spalding University is a diverse community of learners dedicated to meeting the needs of the times in the tradition of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth through quality undergraduate and graduate liberal and professional studies, grounded in spiritual values, with emphasis on service and the promotion of peace and justice.
Enlightening Lifelong Learners while Imparting Strong Leadership & Companionship
Located in downtown Louisville, Spalding University traces its origins to Nazareth Academy, one of the oldest educational institutions west of the Alleghenies. Spalding is named in honor of Mother Catherine Spalding, foundress of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. Spalding offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in the areas of health sciences, natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, business, communication and education.
When Nazareth College moved from Nazareth, Kentucky and established the Louisville campus in 1920, its sole building was the 1851 structure known as the Tompkins-Buchanan-Rankin Mansion. Today, two residence halls make campus-living convenient, safe and fun. Also offered are two dining options, a fitness facility, a campus store, two art galleries, a central quad for recreation and events, a counseling center, 24-hour campus safety and personal mentorship and development with the staff. Their NCAA Division III Golden Eagle athletic teams allow over 225 scholar-athletes to participate in collegiate sports.
Spalding University is the home for students who want to earn a degree while engaging and serving the community. They put compassion in action every day with their mission-driven focus. Their students are active in the community, using their Spalding education to make the world better. Altogether, they are a diverse community with a core commitment to inclusion, and value students, faculty and staff from all walks of life.
Succeed, Grow, Elevate and Do Good
The Spalding community is an inclusive community of people, who are fundamentally different from one another, compassionate and humble. They represent a cross-section of society. They have the most racially diverse student body among all of Kentucky’s private colleges. Thirty-three percent of students self-identify themselves as people of color.
Spalding University is an all-inclusive community of learners, made up of artists, veterans, activists, parents, religious leaders, LGBTQIA community members and athletes. Their people have different abilities, ideals, cultures, backgrounds, goals and passions. They cultivate a supportive space for all their students to learn and grow. The University offers 15 varsity sports at the NCAA Division III level and compete as members of the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC). Students get a chance to grow and discover themselves in and out of the classroom and nurture their passion.
A notable alumnus, Elmer Lucille Allen was a ceramic artist and chemist who graduated from Nazareth College (now Spalding University) in 1953. She became the first African-American chemist at Brown-Forman in 1966.
An Adventurer, Explorer and an Erudite
President Tori Murden McClure became Spalding’s president in 2010, having also served previously as a vice president and trustee. She holds a bachelor’s from Smith College, a Master of Divinity from Harvard University, a law degree from the University of Louisville and a Master of Fine Arts in writing degree from Spalding. She is author of the memoir, A Pearl in the Storm: How I Found My Heart in the Middle of the Ocean, which details her journey to become the first American to row across the Atlantic Ocean.
President McClure leads Spalding through a collaborative leadership model that brings diverse voices and experiences together through the board of trustees, leadership team and faculty and staff committees. Since taking charge in 2010, Spalding has expanded its campus by 40%. President McClure is sought after as a speaker and presenter on a variety of topics, including religion and theology, leadership, higher education, adventure and athleticism. Recent appearances include the Apostolic Congress on Mercy at the Vatican, Association of Governing Boards national conference, the U.S. Air Force Academy and her annual appearance at all sites of the Kentucky Governor’s Scholars Program.
Opportunities for Students
Spalding University is the first certified compassionate university in the world. Students at Spalding University collaborate to create solutions to the big problems and engage conversations on mercy, justice and compassion. In every day campus life, they put compassion in action through service learning and volunteerism. They also work towards creating outreach services for the broader community like enTECH, the Center for Behavioral Health and the Spalding Comprehensive Outpatient Rehab Facility.
Spalding University is committed to ensuring equal access to university programs for students with disabilities. Accessibility Services, provides academic assistance and support for students covered by the American Disabilities Act or ADA. Spalding University’s Career Development Center can help answer your questions about career choices and provide the services to support you on your journey. Career Development not only provides assessments to make sure you fit with your career choice, but they also discuss occupational outlook opportunities in your chosen field.
Financial Provision to Support Aspirations
Scholarships are awarded on the basis of financial need or academic merit. The authorities on the campus are passionate about helping students to find institutional or outside scholarships that meet their qualifications. Grants are federal or state awards that help cover the cost of educational expenses. Loans are available from the federal government and other private resources. Student employment is awarded through the Federal Work Study program. Assistantships are campus-affiliated work placements that provide tuition remission to graduate students. VA benefits are financial assistance provided by the Department of Veteran Affairs.
