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Mount Saint Mary’s is excited to welcome a new director of Campus Ministry and Spirituality, Christie de la Gándara, PhD.

Christie brings over 15 years of experience leading ministries for diverse communities, facilitating interfaith dialogues, and implementing initiatives focused on spiritual issues and social justice that contribute to a vibrant and inclusive community.  

“With her extensive background and leadership in theology, student life and inclusive ministry, Christie will be an excellent addition to the Mount,” says Linda McMurdock, PhD, vice president of Student Affairs at Mount Saint Mary’s. “We look forward to welcoming her to our diverse faith community.” 

Christie comes to the Mount from Fordham University in New York, where she served as a visiting associate professor of practical theology and religious education. She also established partnerships with global Catholic leadership and local diverse Hispanic Church communities on a range of topics impacting the Church.  

Prior to her work at Fordham, Christie worked as the Hispanic ministry coordinator and independent researcher at the University of San Diego. There, her work in campus ministry focused on strategic planning for the development and implementation of curriculum and programs aimed at student success and inclusion.    

“I am excited to bring my unique blend of skills, values and unwavering commitment to the mission of Mount Saint Mary’s University,” says Christie. “I look forward to leading and inspiring the campus community, ensuring that our journey towards spiritual growth, social justice and academic excellence remains steadfast and impactful.” 

Christie, a Miami native, earned a Doctor of Philosophy in theology and education and a Master’s of Arts in theology with a specialization in Hispanic ministry from the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry. Her dissertation, which is being edited for publication, studies women’s spiritual ways of knowing and how these women transmit their faith in the context of the home — "the hub of a holistic and organic spirituality that nurtures and sustains the Latine community,” Christie says. Prior to this, she earned her Master of Arts in sociology and education at Columbia University’s Teachers College while working as a literacy consultant for the New York City Department of Education. Christie also has experience working for Teach for America and has held positions in curriculum development and instruction design at several notable public high schools.