University of Providence

The year was 1932. The United States was in its worst economic condition in history—the Great Depression. Yet, in Montana, a small university had come to life thanks to a shared vision and dedication from a bishop and several sisters. Great Falls’ Catholic Bishop, Reverend Edwin V. O’Hara, along with the Sisters of Charity of Providence and the Ursuline Sisters, worked together to create Great Falls Junior College.

Several sisters and priests along with one laywoman came together to teach the first class of students. At that time, the school was a two-year institute, located in a historic building off Central Avenue in Great Falls. In 1933, the university grew when Great Falls Normal School, established by Sister Lucia Sullivan, combined forces with the junior college. That same year, 14 women enrolled, and by 1935, those numbers grew dramatically with more than 100 women enrolled. Two years later, the school would make history when the first man enrolled.

Jesus taught his followers that goodness will always overcome. As a faith-based Roman Catholic school, the University Providence believes in the biblical principle “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life,” (John 8:12, NIV).

As an expression of the teaching mission of Jesus Christ, the mission of the University of Providence is to provide students with the opportunity to obtain a liberal education for living and making a living.

The University of Providence was founded through the collaborative efforts of the Sisters of Providence, the Ursuline Sisters, the Catholic Bishop of Great Falls and the civic community all of whom recognized societal need for higher education. Its educational mission, sponsored by the Sisters of Providence, continues to be the shared endeavor of dedicated people.