Sister Mary Emily Shanley papers (RG.3.1.3)

Biographical Note

Sister Mary Emily Shanley, R. S. M., was a Sister of Mercy who served as president of Salve Regina College from 1964 to 1968. Born Evelyn Elizabeth Shanley in Providence, RI on July 16, 1917, she entered the Sisters of Mercy in 1934 and professed her vows in 1937. That same year, she began teaching at the Tyler School in Providence, Rhode Island. She received a bachelor's degree in education from Catholic Teacher's College in 1941. In 1944, she began teaching at St. Xavier Academy in Providence. In 1952 she graduated from Salve Regina College. She later earned a master's degree in English from Boston College in 1955.

After serving as superior at Mount St. Rita Convent and Salve Regina Convent, she became president of Salve Regina College in 1964. While Sister Shanley was president, she oversaw the construction of O'Hare Academic Building as well as the acquisition of Ochre Lodge, Founders Hall, St. Joseph's Hall, and Queen Hall. Under her direction the college also established a counseling center, career placement office, health services clinic, and office of cultural affairs.

After she retired from her tenure as president in 1968, she became superior of St. Mary Convent, Bay-View, and also served in other administrative roles. She retired as community archivist in 1992 and died in 2007.