Chisty L. Brown, J.D., is Alverno College’s ninth president.

The Alverno College community came together to celebrate the recent inauguration of Christy L. Brown, J.D.

Students, faculty, staff, alums, and community members gathered in the historic Pitman Theater for a ceremony filled with elements reflective of the diverse student population and the college’s alma mater and guiding principal, “Where All Belong.”

During her inaugural address, Brown acknowledged the challenges facing higher education, while looking to the future with a profound sense of hope and determination. “I believe we must embrace our ability to imagine our brighter future, our ability to innovate to achieve our goals, and our ability to inspire our greater community,” she said.

Brown’s optimism was bolstered by the announcement of a $1.5 million matching gift made by anonymous donors. “This generous contribution is a symbol of confidence in our mission and in our endeavor to serve not just our current students, but to serve those future generations of students,” she said.

Alverno has consistently been recognized by U.S. News & World Report for its commitment to teaching, innovation, and diversity. Recognized as Wisconsin’s first Hispanic-Serving Institution and a Minority-Serving Institution, more than 55 percent of Alverno’s student body are people of color. In addition, 66 percent of the fall 2023 incoming undergraduate students were first-generation, while 62 percent were Pell-eligible. These statistics underscore the vital role the college plays in Milwaukee, serving a population that is often overlooked when it comes to higher education.

Brown became the ninth president of Alverno in July 2023. Before coming to Alverno, she served as the CEO of Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast. Previous roles include vice chancellor of finance and administrative affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, executive vice president and general counsel at Milwaukee Area Technical College, vice president and corporate counsel at Lutheran Social Services, and associate attorney at Michael Best & Friedrich, LLC.