
Maryville University, a private university in Town and Country, Missouri, was founded in 1872 by the Religious of the Sacred Heart, an order of women dedicated to excellence in education, established in France. The university was originally an academy for young women in South St. Louis, evolving into a junior college and eventually a four-year college in 1923. With a commitment to serving the educational needs of its community, Maryville offers a range of liberal arts and professional programs for students of all ages and backgrounds. The university's Catholic heritage is reflected in the establishment of the Catholic Newman Center, a place for worship, study, and prayer, which seeks to form students intellectually and spiritually according to Catholic teachings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Institution | Private |
| Founding Year | 1872 |
| Founder | Society of the Sacred Heart |
| Founding Order | Religious of the Sacred Heart |
| Original Name | Maryville Academy of the Sacred Heart |
| Original Student Gender | All-women |
| Current Student Gender | Coeducational |
| Campus Setting | Suburban |
| Campus Size | 130 acres |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 14:1 |
| Graduation Rate | 61% |
| Number of Degree Programs | Over 90 |
| Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission |
| Religious Affiliation | Catholic |
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What You'll Learn
- Maryville University was founded by the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1872
- The university's name is derived from Mary's Villa, referencing its original location outside of St. Louis
- The Society of the Sacred Heart is a Catholic order established in France by women dedicated to education
- The Catholic Newman Centre at Maryville University is a place for Catholic worship, study and prayer
- The Society of the Sacred Heart's motto is Cor unum et anima una in Corde Jesu, which means One Heart and One Mind in the Heart of Jesus

Maryville University was founded by the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1872
Maryville University, a private institution in St. Louis, Missouri, was founded by the Society of the Sacred Heart, a Catholic order, on April 6, 1872. The university was originally called Maryville Academy of the Sacred Heart and was an all-women school located outside of the order's original downtown St. Louis location. The school's name is derived from the shortening and altering of "Mary's Villa."
The Society of the Sacred Heart was established in France by Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat, who was born in Grenoble, France, in 1769. The society's motto is "Cor unum et anima una in Corde Jesu," which translates to "One Heart and One Mind in the Heart of Jesus." The society's purpose was "to make known the love of God revealed in the Heart of Christ."
Saint Madeleine Sophie established an educational philosophy that continues to drive Maryville's mission and vision today. She believed that "the main goal of education is not the mere imparting of knowledge, but the development of the individual." This philosophy is reflected in Maryville's commitment to providing a well-rounded education that addresses the needs of both traditional and non-traditional students.
The Religious of the Sacred Heart, also known as the "Religious of the Sacred Heart", guided the growth and development of Maryville for 100 years. During this time, Maryville evolved from a small academy in the Dutchtown neighborhood of South St. Louis to a robust institution of higher learning in West St. Louis County, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
In 1961, Maryville moved to its current location in suburban St. Louis and began admitting men in 1968. The university became independent in 1972 and has been governed by a board of trustees since then, with a majority of members being laypeople and five trustees associated with the Society of the Sacred Heart. Maryville's athletic nickname is now the Saints, reflecting its Catholic heritage.
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The university's name is derived from Mary's Villa, referencing its original location outside of St. Louis
Maryville University, a private institution in Missouri, has a name that reflects its religious roots and historical connection to the St. Louis area. The name "Maryville" originates from "Mary's Villa," which refers to the university's original location just outside of St. Louis. This name was chosen to honour the Sisters of St. Mary, who founded the university in 1872.
The Sisters of St. Mary, a religious order of Catholic women, established the university with a focus on providing education to those in the community. They named the institution after their order, reflecting its religious affiliation and purpose. Over time, as the university expanded and moved to its current location in Town and Country, Missouri, the name "Maryville" persisted, even as the university evolved and grew.
The name "Mary's Villa" and, subsequently, "Maryville" hold significance in the university's history and identity. It serves as a constant reminder of the institution's foundations and the values it upholds. The Sisters of St. Mary's influence can still be felt on campus, as the university continues to embrace its Catholic heritage and promote a sense of community and service.
While Maryville University has transformed over the decades, expanding its academic programs and welcoming a diverse student body, its name remains a testament to its origins. The university community takes pride in this historical connection, and it often becomes a topic of discussion during campus tours and orientations, helping new students and visitors understand the institution's rich background.
The university's name, derived from its early days outside of St. Louis, is a source of pride and a connection to its religious foundations. Even as Maryville University has grown and evolved, embracing modern educational approaches and serving a wider community, its name continues to pay homage to the Sisters of St. Mary and their legacy of providing quality education rooted in Catholic traditions and values.
Today, Maryville University may not be exclusively Catholic in its student body or faculty, but its historical roots and namesake bear witness to a significant chapter in the institution's past, forever linking it to the Sisters of St. Mary and their dedication to education and service.
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The Society of the Sacred Heart is a Catholic order established in France by women dedicated to education
The Society of the Sacred Heart, a Catholic order with a rich history and a deep commitment to education, was founded in France by a group of dedicated women. The society's origins can be traced back to the vision and dedication of its five founding members, who felt called to respond to the needs of their time through education and the promotion of the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The order was established in 1800 by St. Madeleine Sophie Barat, along with four other women: her cousin, Marie-Madeleine Victoire, and three sisters, Jacqueline-Marie, Sophie-Thérèse, and Louise-Thérèse. St. Madeleine Sophie Barat, a young woman from the French town of Joigny, felt a strong calling to establish schools that would provide a holistic education for girls, focusing on both intellectual growth and spiritual development.
The Society quickly gained momentum and expanded across France and eventually worldwide. They established schools and educational institutions, offering a unique blend of academic excellence and a deep commitment to the Catholic faith. The order's dedication to education was rooted in the belief that providing a solid academic foundation, coupled with spiritual formation, would empower young people to lead lives of purpose and service.
This Catholic order has had a significant impact on education, particularly for girls and women, as they were often underrepresented in academic spheres. They established schools, colleges, and universities, offering a well-rounded education that prepared students for a lifetime of learning and service. The Society of the Sacred Heart's dedication to education continues to this day, with their schools and institutions known for their academic rigor, holistic approach to learning, and emphasis on social justice and community engagement.
The Society of the Sacred Heart's influence can be seen in the many educational institutions they have founded or inspired worldwide. One such example is Maryville University, a comprehensive, four-year university in St. Louis, Missouri, founded in the Catholic tradition. While it is no longer formally affiliated with the Society, Maryville University continues to embody the spirit of the order's dedication to education and service.
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The Catholic Newman Centre at Maryville University is a place for Catholic worship, study and prayer
Maryville University, a private institution in St. Louis, Missouri, was founded in 1872 by the Religious of the Sacred Heart, an order of women dedicated to excellence in education. The university's name is derived from "Mary's Villa", as the school was originally an all-women academy in the country outside of downtown St. Louis.
The Catholic Newman Centre at Maryville University is a place for Catholic worship, study, and prayer. It was instituted and dedicated in 2012 in recognition of the university's Catholic heritage. The centre strives to form students intellectually, morally, socially, and spiritually according to the official teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church. Through education, service, and a worshipping community, the centre seeks to help students become active participants in parish life and moral and spiritual leaders in the Church and society in the 21st century.
The Religious of the Sacred Heart guided the growth and development of Maryville for 100 years, shaping its commitment to education, service, and faith. The Society of the Sacred Heart established the university with the purpose "to make known the love of God revealed in the Heart of Christ". This is reflected in the society's motto, "Cor unum et anima una in Corde Jesu", which translates to "One Heart and One Mind in the Heart of Jesus".
Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat, the founder of the Society of the Sacred Heart, established an educational philosophy that continues to drive Maryville's mission and vision. She stressed that "the main goal of education is not the mere imparting of knowledge, but the development of the individual". This philosophy aligns with the university's commitment to providing a challenging and mentoring education, where students are free to explore issues of ethics, spirituality, and conscience.
The Catholic Newman Centre at Maryville University is a testament to the university's Catholic heritage and its commitment to fostering intellectual, moral, social, and spiritual growth within the Catholic faith.
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The Society of the Sacred Heart's motto is Cor unum et anima una in Corde Jesu, which means One Heart and One Mind in the Heart of Jesus
The Society of the Sacred Heart is a Catholic religious institute that was founded in 1800 by Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat in France. The society is dedicated to the education and empowerment of women and girls around the world, and it has established schools and educational institutions in over 40 countries.
Maryville University, located in St. Louis, Missouri, was founded in 1872 by the Society of the Sacred Heart. The university was established as a Catholic institution and maintained its affiliation with the Society until the 1970s when it became independent and secular. However, the university still retains its Catholic heritage and values, and it is known for its commitment to providing a holistic education that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit.
The motto of the Society of the Sacred Heart, "Cor unum et anima una in Corde Jesu," translates to "One Heart and One Mind in the Heart of Jesus." This motto reflects the society's dedication to cultivating a unified community grounded in their love for Jesus and their shared mission of educating and empowering young women. It emphasizes the idea of a cohesive and harmonious group, working together with a common purpose and a shared devotion to their faith.
This motto has guided the work of the Society of the Sacred Heart for over two centuries, inspiring their educational philosophy and spiritual practices. It encapsulates their belief in the transformative power of education and their commitment to fostering spiritual growth, intellectual development, and social consciousness in their students.
At Maryville University, while no longer formally affiliated with the Society of the Sacred Heart, the influence of its founding principles and motto can still be felt. The university continues to prioritize academic excellence, holistic student development, and a sense of community that is welcoming and inclusive. While it serves a diverse population with varying beliefs and backgrounds, Maryville's Catholic heritage and the values embodied in the motto of the Society of the Sacred Heart continue to inform its mission and vision.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Maryville University was founded in 1872 by the Religious of the Sacred Heart, an order established in France by women dedicated to excellence in education.
The Catholic Newman Center at Maryville University is a place of Catholic worship, study, and prayer. It strives to form students intellectually, morally, socially, and spiritually according to the official teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church.
Maryville University was founded in 1872 as an academy for young women in South St. Louis. It became a junior college and then a four-year college in 1923. In 1961, it moved to suburban St. Louis and began admitting men in 1968.
Maryville University stresses that "The main goal of education is not the mere imparting of knowledge, but the development of the individual." The university is committed to providing an excellent, challenging, mentoring education where students are free to explore issues of ethics, spiritual place, and questions of conscience.











































