Sr. Michele Bisbey

Sister Michele entered religious life from St. Norbert parish in Overbrook, Pennsylvania. She credits the women who taught her in grade school through college for influencing her decision to enter religious life. She says, "They were dedicated, enthusiastic, passionate and happy."

Sister Michele has worked in higher education since 1987, including La Roche College since 1992. At La Roche, she held the titles of Professor of Religious Studies and Ketteler Endowed Chair of Theology. As division chair of Humanities, she oversaw eight departments, 18 full-time faculty members and a number of adjunct professors. Sister Michele was also the director of The La Roche Experience, a course which emphasizes the history of La Roche College and introduces students to issues in diversity and discrimination, regions of conflict and economic justice. She made God's Providence visible in her ministry by creating an atmosphere in which students could discern where they stood on issues of justice and peace. Through her presence, availability and advocacy, she treated her students in an inclusive, caring and compassionate way. Sister Michele is also involved in foster care. She says, "My experience at foster care ministry has shaped and expanded my understanding of God, community and family." She is currently the Provincial Director of the Sisters of Divine Providence.

Self-described as faithful, caring and creative, Sister Michele enjoys reading, the St. John's Bible and anything Irish. She has published, in Korean, a series of lectures on the emerging theology and spirituality of Providence. Her "Mary of Nazareth, Disciple and Woman of Providence" was published in the Proceedings of Women in Providence in Collaboration.