Sister Patrice Werner, OP

Celebrating 70 years as a Caldwell Dominican Sister, Sister Patrice Werner, OP, has made a profound impact in both the academic and leadership realms. She entered the community on August 15, 1954, and pursued her academic journey at Caldwell University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in French with a minor in English. Her pursuit of excellence continued with a Master of Arts in French from McGill University and a PhD in French from New York University.

Sister Patrice’s teaching ministry began with positions at St. John School in Clark and St. Aloysius School in Caldwell. She then spent three years teaching at St. Margaret School in Bayou La Batre, Alabama, followed by three years at St. Dominic Academy in Jersey City. Her next chapter in teaching led her to Mount Saint Dominic Academy in Caldwell, where she taught for seven years.

Sister Patrice’s influence expanded when she joined the faculty at Caldwell University, where she held a series of pivotal leadership roles. She served as the director of concurrent curriculum and chair of the Foreign Languages Department, academic dean for nine years, and, for fifteen years, as the college’s president. During her tenure, Sister Patrice shaped the direction of the university, fostering an environment of academic excellence and intellectual growth.

Her service to the Sisters of St. Dominic included her role on the Mission Effectiveness Committee for five years, as well as serving as prioress for another five years, guiding her community with wisdom and dedication.

Sister Patrice’s legacy is one of exceptional leadership and a commitment to education and the Dominican mission. Her contributions to both the academic world and her congregation continue to inspire and shape the future of all those she has mentored. Her leadership has been recognized with the Veritas Award for Excellence in Leadership in Higher Education from Caldwell University in 2005, the Shirley Chisholm "Catalyst of Change" award in 2007, and her induction as an inaugural member of the Caldwell University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010.