On March 6, 1934, the state of Rhode Island granted a charter to the Sisters of Mercy of Providence for a corporation named Salve Regina College. Beyond noting that Salve Regina was to exist “to promote virtue, and piety and learning,” there were no specific directives. The charter left all educational options to the sisters.
In 1947, following more than a dozen years of careful preparation, a turn-of-the-century Newport mansion was gifted to the college corporation. The acquisition of Ochre Court, a 50-room French chateau, enabled Salve Regina to welcome its first class of 58 students that fall.
Salve Regina became coeducational in 1973 and achieved university status in 1991, at which time the school’s charter was amended to change the name of the corporation to Salve Regina University.
As a community that welcomes people of all beliefs, Salve Regina University, a Catholic institution founded by the Sisters of Mercy, seeks wisdom and promotes universal justice.
The University through teaching and research prepares men and women for responsible lives by imparting and expanding knowledge, developing skills and cultivating enduring values. Through liberal arts and professional programs, students develop their abilities for thinking clearly and creatively, enhance their capacity for sound judgment and prepare for the challenge of learning throughout their lives.
In keeping with the traditions of the Sisters of Mercy, and recognizing that all people are stewards of God's creation, the University encourages students to work for a world that is harmonious, just and merciful.
