Sr. Carol Shively, OSU, accepts a Distinguished Alumni award from Brescia University president Madison C. Silvert on April 18, 2026. Sr. Carol is the superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Shreveport, La. COURTESY OF MOUNT SAINT JOSEPH
Sr. Carol Shively, OSU, named one of Brescia University’s Distinguished Alumni
BY MOUNT SAINT JOSEPH STAFF
Ursuline Sr. Carol Shively, who has served as superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Shreveport, La., for 27 years, was named one of three Distinguished Alumni of Brescia University during the annual Laurel Awards on April 18, 2026.
Sr. Carol graduated in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science degree in early elementary education from the Owensboro, Ky., college that was founded by the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph. She earned a Master of Arts degree in Catholic school administration and curriculum from the University of Saint Thomas in 1991.
Sr. Carol is active in numerous professional organizations, including the National Catholic Education Association and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. She also serves on the Brescia University Board of Trustees.
“Sr. Carol remains at the forefront of educational innovation while staying deeply rooted in the mission of Catholic education,” according to a news release from Brescia. “She is widely recognized for her ability to integrate rigorous academic standards and classroom strategies that foster both student achievement and character formation.”
Sr. Carol grew up in Marion County, Ky., where she met the Ursuline Sisters as her teachers when she began the second grade. She joined the community in 1978 and has served in solely education ministry since 1982. She served as a teacher in Kentucky at Hardinsburg, Leitchfield, and Owensboro; as a principal in Missoui at Glennonville, New Madrid and Poplar Bluff; and as a superintendent of Catholic schools in Beaumont, Texas, for three years before moving to Shreveport in 1999.
The Distinguished Alumni award was created to honor graduates who exemplify the elements that encompass “The Brescia Difference: Respect for the Sacred, Devotion to Learning, Commitment to Growth in Virtue, and Promotion of Servant Leadership.” Also receiving the honor with Sr. Carol were Dr. M. Edward Jones, class of 1966, and Dr. Gayle Rhodes, class of 1983.
Sr. Carol is the 12th Ursuline Sister to receive the honor. She joins current Sisters Cheryl Clemons, Sharon Sullivan, Mary Matthias Ward, Larraine Lauter, Vivian Bowles, Ruth Gehres and Michele Morek. Four Ursulines who are now deceased also received the award – Sisters Joseph Angela Boone, Rose Marita O’Bryan, Dianna Ortiz, and Amelia Stenger. Ursuline Associate Mary Danhauer also received the honor.
Originally printed in the August 2026 issue of The Western Kentucky Catholic.
