Tori Murden McClure, M.Div., J.D., M.F.A. became Spalding University’s president in 2010, having also served previously as a vice president and trustee. She holds a bachelor’s from Smith College, a Master of Divinity from Harvard University, a law degree from the University of Louisville and a Master of Fine Arts in writing degree from Spalding. She is author of the memoir, A Pearl in the Storm: How I Found My Heart in the Middle of the Ocean, which details her journey to become the first American to row across the Atlantic Ocean.

“In times of uncertainty, and in periods of adversity, we hold onto hope. Hope is an expression of faith that lights our path, bolsters our strength, and inspires positive action. Compassion calls us to put our faith into action in service to others and to treat every being with equity, dignity, and justice. I stay involved with CIR because there is power in collective action.”