Brother Ignatius Perkins, OP, Ph.D., RN, has spent his life bringing faith and healing together. As a Sisters of Charity of Nazareth Associate, he shares their commitment to serving those in need with compassion and justice. That same mission now guides him as he steps into a new role as the Founding Director of the St. Martin de Porres Center for Health and Human Dignity at Providence College’s School of Nursing & Health Sciences in Rhode Island.
For years, Perkins has been a leader in Catholic healthcare and education, serving in roles such as Dean of the College of Health and Natural Sciences at Spalding University and Executive Vice President of the National Catholic Bioethics Center. The St. Martin de Porres Center, located in the Mondor Center for Nursing and Health Sciences, will bring together students, faculty, and healthcare professionals to focus on compassionate, faith-driven care. It will also connect with Dominican healthcare ministries worldwide, expanding efforts to serve the underserved and integrate Catholic values into medical education and practice.
Fr. Kenneth Sicard, O.P., Ph.D., President of Providence College, spoke to the significance of this leadership in a recent announcement, stating, “Under Brother Ignatius’ leadership, the Center will strive for national recognition in advancing ethical and compassionate healthcare education.”
Fr. Sicard added that Perkins’ commitment to serving vulnerable populations and advancing ethical healthcare practices aligns perfectly with the mission of this new Center and of Providence College.
For Perkins, this is more than a job — it is a calling. His leadership will shape a new generation of healthcare professionals who understand that healing is not just about medicine, but about recognizing the dignity of every person. His work reflects the SCN’s mission to bring Christ’s love and care to the most vulnerable, ensuring that faith remains at the heart of healthcare.
Join us in congratulating Brother Ignatius Perkins, SCNA.