Announcing the Seton Education Scholars Program

In a press conference today, Mount Marty University announced the Seton Education Scholars program. Named for Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, the patron saint of Catholic schools, this program provides renewable $10,000 scholarships to students committed to working as an educator at a Catholic school upon completion of their degree. 

“Mount Marty University has an 85-year history of educating future leaders in education, health care, business and other disciplines that support regional growth,” says Mount Marty University President Marc Long. “As part of that history, we take seriously our responsibility to educate future teachers for Catholic elementary and high schools throughout our region.”

Students who are eligible for this scholarship must be practicing Catholics. While enrolled at Mount Marty University, Seton Education Scholars will participate in monthly Catholic formation and training opportunities provided by MMU campus ministry, area priests and Catholic teachers and administrators to fully engage them with Catholic educational ministries and culture. Those who complete the program and achieve a degree in elementary or secondary education from Mount Marty commit to three years of teaching in a Catholic school within the Diocese of Sioux Falls or rural schools within the Archdiocese of Omaha.

“A quality Catholic education requires people to live their faith through their profession,” says Father James Keiter, pastor of All Saints Parish, Holy Family Parish and Saint Rose of Lima Parish in the Archdiocese of Omaha. “The Seton Education Scholars program will work to remove barriers for students to earn a degree from Mount Marty in order to excel as an educator at a Catholic school in rural Nebraska.”

The lead $250,000 gift for the new Seton Education Scholars program was made by Marlene Ricketts of Omaha for future educators who will serve in a school in the archdiocese.

“I would like to thank Marlene Ricketts for her very generous gift,” says Long. “Her support has made it possible for Mount Marty to educate more future Catholic educators and prepare them for a career of service.”

Students interested in pursuing this scholarship are encouraged to contact the Mount Marty University Office of Admissions.