University of Providence Athletics

Sister Rita Mudd served as the third president of the College of Great Falls from 1960 to 1968. She is the only woman and only Sister of Providence to serve as president in the school’s history. A woman of providence, an educator and mentor, Sister Rita Mudd led the University as it moved in 1960 from a single building at Columbus Hospital to the 104-acre campus on 10th Avenue South. The move was more than a change in location; it was the transformation of the College of Great Falls into a residential, Catholic liberal arts university, attracting students from all over Montana.
 
Sister Rita Mudd was instrumental in one of the greatest gifts the University has received: a donation from John McLaughlin to construct the McLaughlin Center at the southwestern end of campus. In the early 2000s the University brought back athletics to attract more traditional age students to campus. This would not have been possible without the McLaughlin Center. Sister Rita’s fundraising successes and interest in athletics continues to serve the University of Providence (Great Falls) today. Sister Rita Mudd served for 69 years with the Sisters of Providence as a teacher and administrator. She retired in 2000 and passed away Aug. 3, 2002 at the age of 87.