La Roche University President Christina A. Clark Elected to AICUP Board of Directors

PITTSBURGH, June 29, 2026 – Christina A. Clark, Ph.D., president of La Roche University, has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP). Her term as a member of the AICUP Class of 2029 begins July 1.

AICUP represents more than 80 independent nonprofit colleges and universities across Pennsylvania and advocates for policies that strengthen student access, affordability and educational opportunity. AICUP member institutions educate more than half of Pennsylvania’s four-year degree-seeking students and contribute significantly to the Commonwealth’s workforce and economy. The organization’s Board of Directors is composed of college and university presidents who work collaboratively to advance the interests of independent higher education throughout the state.

“I am honored to join the AICUP Board of Directors and to work alongside colleagues who are deeply committed to expanding opportunity for students and strengthening independent higher education in Pennsylvania,” President Clark said. “Independent colleges and universities play a vital role in preparing graduates to lead with knowledge, compassion, and purpose. I look forward to contributing to AICUP’s advocacy efforts and advancing initiatives that support student success and the long-term vitality of our institutions.”

Dr. Clark became La Roche University’s eighth president and second lay president in 2024, bringing more than 20 years of leadership experience in Catholic higher education. Since assuming the presidency, she has advanced a vision centered on academic innovation, mission integration and student success.

Under her leadership, La Roche has expanded high-demand academic programs, broadened access through direct admission, integrated artificial intelligence literacy and experiential learning across the curriculum, and strengthened its commitment to civic engagement and global education.

Dr. Clark has also reinforced La Roche’s Catholic mission through the creation of the Division of Mission and Ministry and, in partnership with the Sisters of Divine Providence, the launch of the Ketteler Center for Peace, Justice, and Inclusion.

The University has earned national recognition as a College of Distinction and as a Top Performer on Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Report. In May 2026, La Roche’s Board of Trustees approved a two-year strategic sprint plan developed under Dr. Clark’s leadership to advance institutional sustainability, innovation and long-term mission impact.

Prior to joining La Roche, Dr. Clark served as provost of Marywood University and previously held academic leadership positions at Marymount University and Creighton University. She earned her Ph.D. and M.A. in classics from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and her bachelor’s degree in classics from Georgetown University.

About La Roche University: An independent liberal arts university in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, La Roche University offers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs with particular strengths in education, business, criminal justice, cybersecurity and forensics, psychology, nursing, and health and medical sciences as well as interior architecture & design and graphic design. This residential university provides a vibrant campus community for women and men enjoying multiple student organizations and an exciting NCAA Div. III athletics program. Founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1963, La Roche University embraces its Catholic heritage while welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds. With a legacy of social justice and a commitment to international exchange, La Roche University educates students to be lifelong learners and achievers in an increasingly diverse and global society.

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