Sister Margaret Carney

Sister Margaret Carney is the 20th President of St. Bonaventure University — a position she has held since 2004.

Prior to being inaugurated, Sr. Margaret served as the dean and director of the Franciscan Institute of St. Bonaventure. The Institute operates a center for research and textual scholarship in the field of Franciscan/medieval theology, history and philosophy and a school that educates leaders for the various branches of the Franciscan religious orders in the Catholic Church.

She holds master’s degrees from Duquesne University (theology) and St. Bonaventure University (Franciscan Studies) and her doctorate (theology) was awarded by the Franciscan university of Rome — the Pontifical University “Antonianum.”

Sr. Margaret has two successful campaigns to her credit: The 150th Anniversary Campaign for St. Bonaventure, which closed at $95 million ($5 million over goal), and the $15 million campaign for the new School of Business. Her presidency has focused on improving mission integration, increasing diversity in all sectors of campus life, and promoting a cycle of curriculum assessment that is sustainable and an effective strategic planning modality.

Sr. Margaret is a member of the Atlantic 10 Council of Presidents and the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities.

She previously served as the chair of the Board of Directors of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities and the Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities. She also was a member of the Committee on Education of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Sr. Margaret’s honors include the Lifetime Achievement Award from Business First of Buffalo for Women of Influence and the Citation Award from the National Federation of Just Communities—Buffalo. Her own teaching and lecturing is now limited but has encompassed service in the U.S., Europe and Asia. She holds nine honorary doctorates and is a member of the prestigious Century Club of Duquesne University.