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Sister Mary Elizabeth Imler currently serves as General Superior of Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart, Frankfort, IL, re-elected in the spring of 2024. She previously served from 1999 to 2009.

She had been serving over fourteen years as Vice President for Mission Integration at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, IL. Responsibilities among others included overseeing Campus Ministry, Student Affairs and the Office of Diversity. In addition she taught student scholars in the Franciscan Tradition and Leadership and provided oversight to Sustainability initiatives. When able, she continues as retreat director, pilgrimage leader, facilitator and Franciscan resource. 

Responsibilities in the corporate realm have included serving on the Board of Directors for the Franciscan Sisters Health Care Corporation, University of St. Francis, Chairing St. Joseph College of Nursing and two terms as Board President for Retreats International. Sister Mary Elizabeth served for the Franciscan Federation and was elected as Councilor for the International Franciscan Conference of the Third Order Regular in May 2025. Sister continues active participation on the Board for Felician Services, Inc.

Sister Mary Elizabeth’s professional experience began as a Research Chemist for Uniroyal Research and Development Labs before moving into academia. She then served as Science Department Chair and Diocesan Advisor while teaching Chemistry and Physics at both the secondary and college level. Interest grew in the area of spiritual development while coordinating high school retreat programs, faculty in-services and diocesan talks on sacraments and prayer.

Educational background began at St. Mary’s College and Notre Dame University with majors in Physics/Chemistry/Secondary Education and continued in a master’s program of the same at Indiana-Purdue University at Fort Wayne. Spiritual Development was enhanced by coursework through Retreats International and Ignatius College in Guelph, Ontario. She completed a master’s degree at the International Franciscan Institute at St. Bonaventure University, NY in the summer of 1999. 

Sister Mary Elizabeth has had articles published in various journals including those of AFCU and TAU, and in St. Anthony Messenger.

Sister Mary Elizabeth, born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, entered the Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart in 1982. Family background has been well rounded with one brother and five sisters.