Sr. Nicole Kunze, OSB

Sister Nicole Kunze, OSB, PhD, was elected Prioress of Annunciation Monastery in 2016 and was elected to a second term in 2020. Before serving as prioress, Sister Nicole was Chemistry Department Chair at the University of Mary.

Born and raised near Valley City, North Dakota, to Allen and Marilyn Kunze, Sister Nicole is the oldest of three children. She became acquainted with the Sisters of Annunciation Monastery while attending the University of Mary where she received her undergraduate degree in biology. A member of Annunciation Monastery since 1996, Sister Nicole taught chemistry and biology at St. Mary’s Central High School in Bismarck, North Dakota, for five years prior to attending graduate school. Sister Nicole earned a PhD in Chemistry Education from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colorado. At graduation, she was presented with the Graduate Dean’s Citation for Outstanding Dissertation. She served as associate professor of chemistry at the University of Mary for ten years. Sister Nicole was honored with the University of Mary Regents’ Award for Teaching Faculty in 2011.

As prioress, Sister Nicole provides leadership in the Sister's sponsored institutions: CHI St. Alexius Health, CHI St. Alexius Health-Garrison, and the University of Mary. Sister Nicole serves as president of the Board of Trustees at the University of Mary and as a councilor on the Federation of St. Benedict council. She completed a three-year term on the Conference of Benedictine Prioresses coordinating committee and continues to serve as treasurer of the organization.

Sister Nicole is an avid fan of the Minnesota Twins, the Minnesota Vikings, and the University of Mary Marauders.