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At Carlow University, the next generation of ethical leaders is already in the making.
Here, our students gain more than just a degree – they build connections, find purpose, and thrive – working in ways big and small to reshape the future. With your support, we can continue to invest in these future leaders and expand their ability to transform our world.
How You Can Support
At Carlow University, the next generation of ethical leaders is already in the making.
Here, our students gain more than just a degree – they build connections, find purpose, and thrive – working in ways big and small to reshape the future. With your support, we can continue to invest in these future leaders and expand their ability to transform our world.
How You Can SupportSister Sheila Carney has served for the past 18 years as Carlow University’s Special Assistant to the President for Mercy Heritage & Service. In this role, she has been instrumental in advancing Mercy identity, deepening mission integration, and expanding community-engaged initiatives across campus. As a Sister of Mercy for 58 years, she has served the Church and her community in a wide range of leadership, educational, and ministerial roles at the local, regional, national, and international levels.
Among her many contributions at Carlow, Sister Sheila founded the Carlow Food Pantry, serving both the campus and the surrounding community, and secured grant funding from McAuley Ministries to establish The Braided Community, an intergroup dialogue initiative bringing together the Sisters of Mercy, Carlow community members, and West Oakland neighbors to foster understanding, shared learning, and meaningful engagement.
An internationally known speaker and retreat director, Sister Sheila is the co-author of Praying with Catherine McAuley and has published extensively on spirituality, mission, and religious life. Her writings have appeared in numerous journals and edited volumes, including The Journal of Catholic Higher Education, The Journal of the Mercy Association in Scripture and Theology, Downside Review, and Charities USA.
Sister Sheila has served on the boards of numerous Mercy health systems, chaired the Conference for Mercy Higher Education, founded and chaired the Board of Well of Mercy in North Carolina, and currently sits on the Board of McAuley Ministries. She also serves as Vice Postulator for the Cause for the Canonization of Catherine McAuley.
A native of Pittsburgh, Sister Sheila is a graduate of Our Lady of Mercy Academy, Mount Mercy College (now Carlow University), and Saint Vincent Seminary, with additional studies at the National University of Ireland, the ARC Program in Rome, and Duquesne University. Earlier this year, she was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Association of Catholic Colleges & Universities.
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Carlow University prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator, Jackie smith at jmsmith@carlow.edu or 412-578-6050.