Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

As Spalding University inaugurated its 11th president, Dr. Anne Kenworthy, on September 19 at the Cathedral of the Assumption, the ceremony focused on the theme of Christ’s love and service to others.

During her inaugural address, Dr. Kenworthy referenced the motto of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, who founded Spalding University: “Caritas Christi urget nos” — meaning “the love of Christ impels us.” She explained, “At Spalding, we embrace the sisters’ motto, ‘Caritas Christi urget nos’ — the love of Christ impels us — the demand of love, the call of love.”

She continued by reflecting on how different forms of love motivate action. “What has love made you do? The love of a child will keep you awake with wonder and worry. The love of a parent will keep you coming home again and again. … But the love of Christ? The love of Christ will send you where the world needs you.”

Dr. Kenworthy described how this principle guides service at Spalding: “Christ’s love will place your neighbors’ needs above your own. It will transform lives. The love of Christ impels us. And when you’re impelled, you don’t wait for an invitation, you move, you go, you serve. That’s the spirit of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, fiercely independent, fiercely faithful and true pioneers.”

She pointed out that Spalding’s historic seal features a pelican with three chicks as a symbol: “The pelican uplifts our commitment to selfless service and care.” She added, “It is said that the pelican pierced her own breast to feed her young with her blood during times of famine so that they could survive. This is a powerful symbol of the selfless love of Christ,” she said. “You can feel this love all across our campus. At Spalding, we love our students, each other and this community deeply.”

Kenworthy also thanked Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre and Louisville Metro Mayor Craig Greenberg for their support and partnership with Spalding University during her remarks. She expressed gratitude to mentors, family members, friends and colleagues who have supported her career in higher education administration.

Other speakers included Brooke Kenworthy (her daughter), colleagues and friends who described Dr. Kenworthy as both warm and grounded in leadership while also having an engaging personality.

Dr. Kenworthy is Methodist but affirmed after taking office in January 2025 that she would honor Spalding’s Catholic heritage rooted in the work begun by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth.

Her professional background includes serving as vice president for enrollment at Findlay University in Ohio before joining Spalding University. She previously held several roles at Christian Brothers University in Memphis including associate vice president for donor relations and academic dean for adult programs.

Dr. Kenworthy holds degrees from multiple institutions: a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a doctorate in education from University of Memphis; an MBA from Christian Brothers University; and a fundraising management certificate from Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.

Spalding University is located on 24 acres in downtown Louisville and was originally established as Nazareth Academy by Mother Catherine Spalding in Bardstown in 1814. Today it enrolls about 1,600 students as a liberal arts college.

Following the inauguration ceremony at the cathedral, Archbishop Fabre, Mayor Greenberg and Dr. Kenworthy led attendees to lay white daisies at Mother Catherine Spalding’s statue outside—honoring both her legacy as founder and namesake for both university and religious order.