Jubilarian 2021 - Sister Marie Joan Harris

Sister Marie Joan Harris was born in Denver, Colorado, where she was taught by the CSJs in elementary school. After attending Loretto Heights College for a year, she entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in 1960 and was received into the novitiate in 1961 as Sister Marie Joseph. She received a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Fontbonne College in 1967 and a doctorate in analytical chemistry from the University of Kansas, Lawrence in 1971.

Sister Marie Joan taught at Immacolata Grade School in St. Louis and at St. Mary Grade School in Littleton, Colorado, in the 1960s prior to attending graduate school.

After receiving her doctorate, Sister Marie Joan taught chemistry at Avila College for 17 years. In 1987, she became vice president and dean of Academic Affairs and, eventually served as provost and vice president for Academic Affairs for a total of 28 years. In her administrative position, she received several national and local awards for her leadership in higher education.

While at Avila, she served as a trustee on hospital, university and secondary school boards. From 1992 to 2002, Sister Marie Joan also served the CSJ community as a part-time provincial councilor.

After 45 years of ministry at Avila University, Sister Marie Joan retired in 2015. She continues to live in the Kansas City area. She volunteers as a trustee or member of several boards as well as province and congregational groups.