Our Story Over 90 years ago, we began as a private, liberal-arts, two-year college for women. Today, we are still a private, liberal-arts institution — but we have grown into a University that offers award-winning educational programs, with all levels of certifications and degrees, to any individual wanting to pursue higher education. Briar Cliff was founded on September 18, 1930 by the Catholic Franciscan order known as the Sisters of St. Francis. While the order is based in Dubuque, IA, the Sister's went to the area of greatest need when they sought to establish a higher education institution focused on students and centered on values.