Papers of the Academic Dean, Sister Mary Rosalia Flaherty (RG6.1.4)

Biographical / Historical

Sister Mary Rosalia Flaherty was born in 1918 in Central Falls, RI. She graduated from St. Francis Xavier Academy in Providence, RI and later became a member of the first graduating class at Salve Regina University, where she obtained a Bachelor's degree in Education. Sister Flaherty also earned a Bachelor's degree from the Catholic Teachers College as well as a doctorate from Catholic University of America.

Between 1936 and 1939, Sister Mary Rosalia Flaherty entered the religious order and became a member of the Sisters of Mercy. She began her teaching career working most notably at St. Xavier Academy in Providence, RI where she served as Chair of the Science Department. In 1957, Sister Flaherty became the Academic Dean at Salve Regina University, where she dedicated her life to improving the educational programming needs of the academic community. Such achievements include but are not limited to assisting with the accreditation of the Nursing program, establishing a teacher training program for elementary educators, and working to obtain federal funding for the creation of new buildings on campus.

Sister Mary Rosalia Flaherty served on the Board of Directors as Emerita Trustee at Salve Regina University, where she continued to serve and provide guidance to the academic community. In 1974, Sister Flaherty received the first Distinguished Service Award from the Diocese of Providence and later received an honorary degree from Salve Regina University. Her legacy of providing the utmost in service to the academic community was celebrated in 1997 by the dedication of the Flaherty Academic Suite on behalf of Sister Mary Rosalia Flaherty. On January 25, 2003, Sister Mary Rosalia Flaherty passed away leaving a strong legacy of greatly improving the educational programing needs and overall quality of education for the academic community at Salve Regina University.