Ristau takes reins as new Dean
By NELLIE WILLIAMS
Karen Ristau has assumed the position of vice president and Dean of Faculty of Saint Mary’s, replacing Dorothy Feigl who retired in May.
Formerly the vice president for Academic Affairs at Saint Joseph College in West Hartford, Conn., and a member of the faculty at the University of St. Thomas Graduate School of Business in St. Paul, Minn., Ristau brings a strong knowledge of the classroom and women’s colleges, said Marilou Eldred, president of Saint Mary’s.
“[Ristau] brings a wealth of experience in teaching, in addressing issues of liberal arts colleges and in developing programs. Her commitment to Catholic higher education will make her an important asset to Saint Mary’s,” Eldred said.
As the daughter of a Saint Mary’s alumna, Ristau understands how important tradition is to the women of Saint Mary’s. One of her goals will be to maintain that tradition.
“I feel the pioneer spirit is still here,” she said. “The spirit and tradition are a major part of this school.”
Ristau will enlist faculty members to help with this goal.
“As I get to know the faculty here, I feel that we can work to do this together,” she said.
Ristau’s is also an author, having published “The Challenge of Academic Leadership in Theological Education” in 1996. She is currently working on a new book, “Leadership Toward Community.”
“My care about philosophical issues and underpinnings result from my background in leadership studies,” Ristau said.
Ristau has big dreams for the students at Saint Mary’s.
“As a mother of daughters and also growing up watching the changes in women’s rights, I feel women need to prize themselves in being intelligent,” she said. “Young women should know some of the history on women’s rights and understand that doors are open today for women.”
All News Stories for Friday, August 27, 1999
