The Aquinas College Board of Trustees has unanimously voted to appoint Sr. Maureen Geary, O.P., as the 10th president of Aquinas College.
A longtime leader at Aquinas and a well-known Dominican sister of Grand Rapids, Geary brings more than four decades of experience in higher education, public accounting, law, financial administration, social justice advocacy, and congregational leadership to her new role leading the nationally ranked liberal arts institution.
Geary has served as interim president of Aquinas since April, but her leadership at the college spans decades. As both a certified public accountant and an attorney, Geary has already contributed much to Aquinas’ success in her roles on the faculty, as a member of the administrative staff, and on the board.
Geary has served Aquinas as:
- An assistant professor teaching business law and accounting.
- Vice president of finance and controller for six years.
- A trustee for 12 years. During this time, she was also active on the finance, investments, benefits, and Dominican heritage committees of the board.
During her time as interim president, Geary received great support from the Aquinas community due to her decades of success building trust, relationships, and deep institutional knowledge. In May, the Faculty Assembly passed a resolution recommending the Board of Trustees extend Geary’s presidential term.
“The unanimous decision to elect Sr. Maureen to lead Aquinas reflects our firm belief that she is the leader we need at this pivotal moment of both tremendous possibility and unique challenge,” said Board Chair John Lowery. “She brings with her a skill set that is deeply valued and clearly visible in every interaction she has.
“Sr. Maureen is a true friend to our campus and a faithful presence to our students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Her appointment follows broad-based support from members of the Aquinas community and beyond, who all see Sr. Maureen as a steady, thoughtful collaborator who can lead the important work ahead of us.
“Sr. Maureen embodies our Catholic and Dominican values in word and deed. Her lifelong commitment to mission-centered leadership is a profound gift to all who are part of this beloved College, and we look forward to expanded success under her leadership.”
A native of Grand Rapids, Geary has held many leadership roles within the Dominican Sisters, including prioress, vicaress, treasurer, and councilor for finance. In addition to her time at Aquinas, she has held various legal and accounting positions and has served on numerous boards and committees.
“It’s been an incredible honor to be a part of Aquinas’ growth over the years, and I’m deeply humbled and blessed to have been selected by the trustees to serve as our College’s 10th president,” Geary said. “After spending many wonderful decades building relationships both on and off campus, I feel uniquely called to lead Aquinas and keep our forward motion as we build our next chapter – together.
“As I step into this new role, I remain committed to leading with faith, deep listening, and an unwavering passion to ensure Aquinas can continue to thrive as a Catholic liberal arts institution guided by our Dominican pillars of prayer, service, study, and community.”
Active professionally, Geary has served on boards for Trinity Health Grand Rapids, D.A. Blodgett – St. John’s, Grand Rapids Catholic Secondary Schools, and many others, especially with a focus on meeting the housing needs of the community.
Geary holds a bachelor of business administration degree in accounting from the University of Notre Dame, a master’s degree in theology from Catholic Theological Union, and a juris doctor degree from the University of Michigan. In 2018, she was awarded an honorary doctor of laws degree from Aquinas College.
Geary is a member of the Michigan Bar Association and a CPA in the state of Michigan.
The Aquinas community will celebrate Sr. Maureen's inauguration during Homecoming in September 2025.