Briar Cliff Announces Melanie Berte-Hickey as Director of Mission and Catholic Integration

May 25, 2023

Briar Cliff University has announced Melanie Berte-Hickey as Director of Mission and Catholic Integration. Berte-Hickey also serves as an associate professor for social work.

“Melanie will continue to help drive our Catholic Franciscan Mission, and we are excited to elevate her to this role,” said Dr. Patrick Jacobson-Schulte, President of Briar Cliff University.

Berte-Hickey will provide supervision and lead employees within Campus Ministry to assist with high-quality programming that meets a diverse student body. She will integrate the Gospel, Catholic Church teachings, and Franciscan Values to aid holistic development for BCU students. She will also serve as a liaison with the Diocese of Sioux City along with supporting enrollment management in efforts to recruit students of Catholic faith. 

Berte-Hickey has over 28 years of expertise in counseling, social and human services, education, program management, staff development, and community outreach. She began her student teaching at Briar Cliff before becoming an adjunct professor at Iowa Central Community College. Since 2015, Berte-Hickey has been an associate professor of social work at BCU while being an advisor for the Chi Epsilon and Delta Epsilon Sigma National Honor Societies.