EMU Today

YPSILANTI – Eastern Michigan University’s diverse student body includes individuals from many backgrounds, a point of pride and distinction at the University.

Students in the EMU College of Education may often find themselves enrolled alongside women clad in all black with white habits, and wooden rosaries at their sides. 

The Dominican Sisters of Mary, a teaching order of sisters who make their home in Ann Arbor, chose Eastern Michigan University to help prepare them for professional roles as teachers.

“The reason our Sisters are attending EMU is because it is a reputable institution for teacher preparation, and it is close to where our Sisters live,” said Sister Maria Rose, the Director of Education and Prioress of the Sisters of Mary.

Mike Sayler, dean of the College of Education, says such a decision underscores the reputation and quality of the college. “It is a strong recommendation for us that this teaching order of sisters has chosen to send students here,” he said.

To date, more than 90 Sisters have trained in in the College of Education, in fields such as Early Childhood and Primary and Secondary Education.

The Sisters pursue broad subject areas at Eastern, including math, science, social studies, political science, English, foreign languages and special education.

After graduation, some sisters become teachers or administrators in area Catholic schools, including the Plymouth and Ann Arbor Spiritus Sanctus Academies, two K-8 private Catholic schools that the order owns and governs.

Currently, between the Motherhouse (main convent) and several smaller missions across the United States, the Sisters of Mary teach in 22 schools at the elementary, junior high, high school and university levels.  

For more information about the Sisters of Mary and, their teaching order and mission, and about Dominican Life, please visit their website.  

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves 20,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Health and Human Services; Technology, and its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website