Dominican University Business Programs Receive Reaccreditation from IACBE
Dominican University New York’s business programs have received full, 7-year reaccreditation from the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). The IACBE said that the Division of Business, Innovation, and Leadership has demonstrated a commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in business education.
Ivan Rudolph-Shabinsky, Director of the Division of Business, Innovation, and Leadership, said, “As part of our accreditation by the IACBE, we go through a rigorous reaccreditation process every seven years. We not only provide significant assessment data on all our business programs, but also host a team from the IACBE that reviews our programs, speaks to professors, students, administrators, and businesses we partner with in the community to generate a comprehensive view of our offerings and how well we prepare students for careers in business.”
The finance, marketing, business management, and MBA programs all received reaccreditation. Rudolph-Shabinsky said that the Division also received accolades for the strength of its strategic plan.
August 30, 2024
Dominican University Awarded Federal Grant for New OT Initiative
The new BCSC Initiative aims to cultivate a diverse and multilingual Occupational Therapy workforce in New York State.
Dominican University New York has been awarded a three-year, $432,714 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education to fund a new Occupational Therapy Initiative. The Building Capacities and Strengthening Communities (BCSC) Initiative aims to cultivate a diverse and multilingual workforce in New York State to support children and families in underserved areas.
This new initiative has a number of objectives including:
Enhancing resources and experiential learning in the OT program.
Increasing and strengthening community partnerships.
Preparing students to be culturally-diverse learners and future practitioners.
Creating a mobile, Pro Bono Occupational Therapy Clinic to bring services to underserved communities.
OT Program Director and Allied Health Division Director Pamela Story, OTD, said, “This new federally-funded initiative presents an unparalleled opportunity to attract a greater number of culturally diverse students to the profession of Occupational Therapy. It will significantly enhance their classroom and clinical preparation, equipping them with the latest and best evidence-based knowledge and skills to provide highly competent services for children and families in underserved areas throughout New York State and the Greater NYC region.”
This initiative was developed and will be administered by a project leadership team of Dominican University faculty, which includes: Project Director Nadia Rust, OTD; Project Co-Director Catherine Cavaliere, Ph.D.; Project Oversight Advisor Pamela Story, OTD; Community Partner Outreach Coordinator Dr. Mary Walsh Roche, DMH; and Pre-OT Admissions Coordinator Dr. Caitlin Sorrentino, OTD. The project is fully funded by the U.S. Department of Education.
August 7, 2024
Dominican University New York Names Vice President for Mission and Ministry
New position created as University prepares to welcome first lay president
Sr. Jennifer Schaaf will fill the new position of VP for mission and ministry. (Photo courtesy of Nina Filippone at Saint Thomas More, Yale University.)
Dominican University New York today announced that Sr. Jennifer Schaaf, O.P., D.Min., will be filling the newly-created position of vice president for mission and ministry as of September 1, 2024. Sr. Schaaf is a member of the Dominican Sisters of Blauvelt and has been working for the past 11 years as assistant chaplain at Saint Thomas More, the Catholic Chapel and Center at Yale University in New Haven, CT.
“After many years in campus ministry at Yale, and previously at Ohio Dominican University, I am excited to take on this role, which brings together my past experience of ministry, my research focus on charism formation in higher education, and my passion for the future of Dominican life,” said Sr. Schaaf. “I know that I am following in the footsteps of many beloved sisters who have served at Dominican University throughout the years and shaped it into the institution it is now – one that truly cares about the students and their success.”
A new professional field of mission integration has emerged in Catholic higher education in response to the growing number of universities founded by religious communities that now have lay leadership. Earlier this month, Dominican University announced that Dr. Manuel Martínez from Mercy College of Ohio will become its first lay president as of July 15, 2024. Sr. Mary Eileen O’Brien, O.P., Ph.D., retired as of January 1, 2024, after serving a total of 35 years as president, and Sr. Kathleen Sullivan, O.P. will be retiring at the end of the month, after serving more than 55 years in a number of positions including chancellor and president.
Sr. Mary Hughes, O.P., Ed.D., Interim President of Dominican University, said she was delighted to welcome Sr. Schaaf to Dominican University. “Sr. Jenn represents a new younger generation, and the future of the Dominican Sisters of Blauvelt. Dominican University is prepared to carry on its proud tradition, while changing with the times to provide the best education for its students.“
Sr. Schaaf said, “In my new role as V.P. for mission and ministry, I will help Dominican University transition from the long-standing leadership of Sr. Mary Eileen and Sr. Kathleen into a new era through working with students, faculty, staff, and administrators to continue the four pillars of Dominican life – prayer, study, community, and service – and the specific charism of the Blauvelt Dominican’s care and compassion for marginalized communities and individuals.”
Sr. Schaaf received a Doctor of Ministry from Seattle University. She also has a Bachelor of Music Education and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry from the University of Portland. Prior to becoming a sister, Sr. Schaaf taught music at a Catholic elementary school and then was campus minister at Ohio Dominican University. As she was beginning to discern whether to enter religious life, Sr. Schaaf worked as director of communications for the Sisters of Saint Dominic of Blauvelt, NY, for four years. She ultimately decided to join the order and was a canonical novice at the Collaborative Dominican Novitiate in Saint Louis, MO. Since 2013, Sr. Schaaf has worked as assistant chaplain at Saint Thomas More Chapel at Yale University
June 25, 2024
Dominican University New York Names New President
Dr. Manuel Martínez from Mercy College of Ohio Will Become the First Lay President of Dominican University New York
Dominican University New York has named Dr. Manuel Martínez, Ph.D., as the new president of the University, effective July 15, 2024. Martínez replaces Sr. Mary Eileen O’Brien, O.P., Ph.D., who retired as of January 1, 2024, after serving two separate terms as president, for a total of 35 years.
After Sr. Mary Eileen announced her retirement, the Dominican University Board of Trustees launched a nationwide search for a new president, with the help of the professional search firm AGB Search, and tapped Sr. Mary Hughes, O.P., Ed.D., to serve as interim president, while a permanent replacement was chosen.
“We are grateful that talented candidates from all over the country applied for the position and were interested in guiding Dominican University into the future,” said Steven Sabatini, Chair, Dominican University New York Board of Trustees. “Dr. Martínez rose to the top of the candidates because of his impressive academic and administrative experience in higher education and his knowledge of and commitment to a Dominican education.”
Martínez will be the first layperson to lead the University in its 72-year history. Since Dominican University New York was founded in 1952 as Dominican College, there have been five presidents who were all members of the Sisters of St. Dominic of Blauvelt.
Martínez is the Vice President of Academic Affairs and the Dean of Faculty at Mercy College of Ohio, a Catholic College which specializes in healthcare professions. Prior to arriving at Mercy College of Ohio in 2022, he spent 18 years at Ohio Dominican University in Columbus, Ohio, working his way up from an Instructor of Spanish to Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Dean of Undergraduate Studies, and finally Vice President for Academic Affairs. He has extensive experience working on programs aimed at increasing enrollment. Martínez also understands the importance of balancing the benefits of a liberal arts education with workforce development.
“I am so honored and grateful to be chosen as the next president of Dominican University New York,” said Martínez. “When I spent time on campus recently, it was very clear to me that Dominican University is a very special, welcoming community that is centered on student outcomes. I have always believed that institutions of higher education must be student-centered to be successful. For me, that means educating the whole person and providing both the professional, technical preparation and the soft skills that go hand in hand.”
Martínez holds a number of advanced academic degrees including: a Ph.D. in Spanish and Latin American Literature from the University of Cincinnati; a Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from Ohio Dominican University; a Master of Arts in Spanish and Latin American Literature from the University of Cincinnati; and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Marketing from the University of Miami.
“I am delighted that Dr. Martínez has accepted the position of president and I feel confident leaving Dominican University in his hands.” said Sr. Hughes. “Dr. Martínez is a terrific fit for this special community, and I believe the University will flourish under his leadership. He has extensive academic, enrollment, and financial experience, and is a genuine, thoughtful individual, as demonstrated during his meetings on campus. Since Dominican University is a Hispanic Serving Institution, it is also wonderful that Dr. Martínez understands the culture of many of our students and can communicate with their families in their native language.” Sr. Hughes said she will remain in her role as interim president until July 15, and expects to work with him to ensure a seamless transition.
“The entire Dominican University community is so appreciative of Sr. Hughes for providing stability to the University during this time of transition,” said Sabatini. “Sr. Hughes began as interim president in the middle of the school year, working long hours and making critical decisions. She quickly endeared herself to everyone on campus, including students, faculty, staff, administrators, and board members. We are forever indebted to her and consider her part of the Dominican University family.”
Dominican University conducted an extensive search for a new president, widely advertising and inviting interested candidates to apply, after establishing a Presidential Search and Screening Committee and hiring AGB Search. Many candidates were interviewed by the Search and Screening Committee and three finalists spent a full day on campus, meeting with and answering questions from individuals throughout the Dominican University community who were then able to provide feedback to the Board of Trustees before the Board made its final decision.
June 3, 2024
Past President and Chancellor of Dominican University Honored
Sr. Kathleen Sullivan and Sr. Mary Eileen O’Brien
The Past President and Chancellor of Dominican University New York were honored at the Sisters of St. Dominic of Blauvelt’s Annual Hearts Afire Gala for their amazing contributions to the field of higher education. Sr. Mary Eileen O’Brien, O.P., Ph.D., Past President, and Sr. Kathleen Sullivan, Chancellor of External Affairs, received the 2024 Mother Mary Ann Sammon Award at the April 28, 2024, gala.
“Together they have been a dynamic duo, whose creative vision brought Dominican College from a small liberal arts college to university status, set on a beautiful campus,” said Sr. Mary Flood, O.P., M.D., Ph.D., who presented the award.
Sr. Mary Eileen retired at the end of 2023, after serving a total of 35 years as President of Dominican University. In accepting the award, she spoke about the Foundress of the Order, Mother Mary Ann Sammon. “It has always moved me that her mother died when she was only four, and she never had the chance for a formal education, and yet when she came up to Blauvelt within three years we had a building that took care of providing a home for hundreds of children, a chapel, and a school,” she said. “She’s a wonderful example for all of us not to let anything hold us back. When you have the will, you’ll find a way.”
Sr. Kathleen Sullivan will be retiring at the end of June after 56 years at the University in a variety of positions, including Foreign Language Instructor teaching French, Director of Admissions, Academic Dean, President, and most recently, Chancellor of External Affairs, When she accepted the award, she turned the attention to the professors at Dominican University, “What we are celebrating today as well is the brilliant dedication of the faculty here who have made the opportunity of Dominican education available to our new generation of eager learners.”
The Chair of the Montefiore Nyack Hospital Board of Trustees Mark Jacobs was also a recipient of the 2024 Mother Mary Ann Sammon Award.
April 30, 2024
Dominican University New York Launches Search for its Next President
Dominican University New York has officially launched the search for its next president. The University is widely advertising and inviting interested candidates to apply, after establishing a Presidential Search and Screening Committee and hiring professional search firm, AGB Search.
In addition, Dominican University has created a webpage with links to a Presidential Search Profile, a search timeline, and information on how to apply for the job.
“The Presidential Search Profile will guide the search and was drafted with information gathered from Listening Sessions hosted by AGB consultants and a community survey,” said Trustee John F.M. Flynn, Ph.D., Chair, Presidential Search and Screening Committee. “As described in the profile, our ideal candidate will model servant leadership, be emotionally intelligent, culturally competent, inspiring, collaborative, and a visionary leader.”
An earned doctorate, a history of distinction in progressively responsible leadership roles, and a record of scholarship is preferred among candidates. The University’s next president should also be mission-driven, student focused, financially competent, a proven fundraiser, an eager university ambassador, a skilled decision maker, and a committed academic leader. A full list of desired attributes is available in the Presidential Search Profile.
The next president of Dominican University is expected to have the following leadership priorities:
Advance the mission and maintain a relationship with the Dominican Sisters
Achieve long-term and comprehensive financial stability
Strengthen student enrollment, retention, and success
Build community and articulate a bold, unifying shared vision of the future
Stimulate a culture of philanthropy among internal and external constituencies
Strengthen a commitment to academic excellence and grow academic programs
Develop a new Strategic Plan as a university
Strengthen campus culture and unity
Further diversity and inclusion
Dominican University New York launched its search for a new president, following the retirement of Sr. Mary Eileen O’Brien, O.P., Ph.D. who served as president for a total of 35 years. The Board of Trustees appointed Sr. Mary Hughes, O.P., Ed.D. to serve as interim president until a permanent replacement is named.
March 13, 2024
Students Encouraged to Apply for $5,000 Health Care Scholarship
Dominican University New York students who are pursuing careers in health care, social work, and psychology are encourage to apply for the following $5,000 scholarship for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Diversity in Health Care Scholarship applicants must meet the following scholarship criteria to qualify:
Students must be enrolled in a 2-year or 4-year HACU Member (Dominican University is a member).
Open to student pursuing degrees (associate, bachelor, master, doctorate) that will lead to careers as Clinical Professionals that may include Physician, Physician Assistant, Nurse Practitioner, Certified Nurse Midwife, Nurse, Pharmacist, Dentist, Social Worker, Addiction Counselor, Clinical Psychologist, or related clinical professions.
Open to Undergraduate (classified as a sophomore or junior) and Graduate students.
At the time of application, students must have at least (2) two years of study remaining before their anticipated degree completion date.
Must be enrolled full-time.
Minimum GPA of a 3.0 or higher.
Identifies as Hispanic/ Latino, Black/African American, Native American/ Alaska Native or Asian or is focused on the health of these communities or other underrepresented racial/ethnic groups.
Scholarship Specific Essay (250-500-word essay):
What is your personal motivation for applying to the Diversity in Health Care Scholarship?
Renewable: scholarships may be renewed annually for up to 4 years (maximum $20,000) as long as the student maintains eligibility requirements or until the student has completed their intended degree, whichever comes first.
Benefits for Scholarship Recipient:
All scholarship recipients will be invited to attend Webinars with HACU partners to learn about current career opportunities in their field.
(25) Twenty-five Juniors are required to attend the ¡Adelante! Leadership Institute at HACU’s 38th Annual Conference from November 1-3, 2024, in Aurora, Colorado (SAVE THE DATE). Expenses (travel, hotel lodging, and registration) are included as a scholarship benefit.
(60) Sixty Sophomores are required to attend the ¡Adelante! Leadership Institute at HACU’s 39th Annual Conference November 2025 in Aurora, Colorado. Expenses (travel, hotel lodging, and registration) are included as a scholarship benefit.
Please Note: Current 2023 Diversity in Health Care Scholars cannot apply for the 2024 Diversity in Health Scholarship Program application.
March 12, 2024
Local Business Leader Pledges $1 Million Gift to Dominican University
A local business leader, who wishes to remain anonymous, has pledged a $1 million gift to Dominican University New York.
Joseph Valenti, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, said the University is very grateful for the generous donation, “This gift will go far to aid the University in its efforts to keep the cost of higher education within the reach of all students. Dominican University is nationally recognized as a leading university for social mobility with many of its students being the first in their families to attend college.”
All first-time, full-time freshmen at Dominican University receive some form of financial aid, thanks to the generosity of benefactors, alumni, and friends of the University.
March 6, 2024
Dominican University and Albertus Magnus College Reach Agreement to Help Aspiring Physical Therapists
Under a new agreement, qualified Albertus Magnus College graduates can enroll in Dominican University’s DPT program.
Dominican University New York and Albertus Magnus College in New Haven, CT, have announced a new partnership where qualified Albertus graduates with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology can enroll at Dominican to pursue the Doctor in Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.
Dominican University New York is one of only a few institutions across the country that offers the DPT in a weekend format. Students in the DPT program attend class Friday through Sunday, every other weekend, throughout the year, for 3.3 years to earn their doctorate degree. The intensive weekend program allows students to continue working part time and maintain family responsibilities.
“Albertus Magnus College is excited about this collaborative partnership,” said Mark Barreuther, Ph.D., Professor of Biology and Chair of the Department of Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics. “It is a testament to the quality of an Albertus education, a liberal arts, values-based education where experiential learning takes a central role in the journey of our students and prepares them to enter graduate and professional programs like the DPT at Dominican.”
Emil Euaparadorn, DSc, Director of the DPT Program at Dominican University, said the University is ready to welcome Albertus Magnus students, “I know that students from Albertus Magnus College will excel in our program. We have more than 300 clinical relationships with premier hospitals in New York and New Jersey, allowing students to gain invaluable, hands-on experience. Dominican University is also very proud that recent graduates from the DPT program have a first time pass rate of 100 percent on the PT licensure exam – the best in the nation. On top of that, 100 percent of our former students are employed within six months of graduation.”
Prior to admission, Albertus Magnus students with a 3.0 GPA must complete prerequisites in biology, anatomy and physiology, physics, chemistry, psychology and statistics. In addition, they must document at least 60 hours of voluntary or work experience in settings where a licensed physical therapist is employed. Students who are interested must apply and submit all documents online through the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (TCAS) or submit a letter of intent by October 1 in order to be considered for placement the following academic year.
Dominican University recently opened a new, state-of-the-art physical therapy research laboratory. The Gallucci Physical Therapy Research Laboratory has all the necessary equipment for cutting edge research. In addition, students attend class, have practical exams and hold a Pro-Bono Physical Therapy Clinic in the lab. There are three exam rooms in the laboratory that allow faculty to observe students in real-life scenarios.
March 4, 2024
Dominican University NY Extends Fall 2024 Enrollment Deposit Deadline
Dominican University New York has extended its Fall 2024 enrollment deposit deadline from May 1 to June 1 in response to changes in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
“We want to ensure prospective students and their families have ample time to analyze their financial aid packages before making this important decision,” said John Burke, Interim Vice President for Enrollment Management, Dominican University New York. “We hope extending the deposit deadline will help alleviate stress and empower families to make an informed decision.“
The U.S. Department of Education rolled out a completely overhauled FAFSA for 2024-2025 in an effort to simplify the financial aid process, but unfortunately there have been glitches and delays that will lead to later offers of financial aid than in previous years.
Dominican University is committed to helping students and their families navigate complicated college financing options. For more information, or to ask questions, contact Student Financial Services at studentfinancialservices@duny.edu or call 845-848-7821.
February 19, 2024
Dominican University New York Appoints Interim President
Sr. Mary Hughes, O.P., Ed.D.
The Dominican University New York Board of Trustees has appointed Sr. Mary Hughes, O.P., Ed.D., to serve as Interim President, replacing President Sr. Mary Eileen O’Brien, O.P., Ph.D., who is retiring on January 1, 2024, after serving two terms as President for a total of 35 years.
“Sr. Hughes has an impressive background with a wealth of experience in education and leadership positions,” said Steven Sabatini, Chair of the Dominican University Board of Trustees. “We are very fortunate that she has agreed to serve as Interim President during this time of transition to allow Sr. Mary Eileen to begin her much-deserved retirement while we continue our search for a permanent President.”
Sr. Hughes said, “I look forward to being on campus and meeting students, faculty, and staff who make up the heart of this special university community. Sr. Mary Eileen has a record of remarkable accomplishments at Dominican University, and I am honored and humbled to be called upon to uphold her legacy of promoting educational excellence, while stressing the importance of service and respect for the individual.”
Sr. Hughes is a member of the Sisters of St. Dominic, Congregation of the Holy Cross, Amityville, NY. Her early ministerial activity was in elementary education, serving as a teacher, a catechist, an assistant principal, and then a principal. After completing advanced studies, she ministered as a teacher educator both at St. Francis College in Brooklyn, NY, and then at Iona College, which is now Iona University, in New Rochelle, NY. Sr. Hughes was Chair of the Education Department at Iona, and later was Special Executive Assistant to the President and Campus Dean. In addition, she was a member of the Board of Trustees of Molloy College, which is now Molloy University, for 12 years, including five years as Board Vice Chair. For more than nine years, she has been an Adjunct Professor at the Fordham University Lincoln Center Campus, teaching a doctoral seminar on The Spirituality of Leadership for the Graduate School of Education, Center for Catholic School Leadership and Faith-Based Education.
From 2009 to 2012, Sr. Hughes served in the presidency of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR). She represented the majority of Roman Catholic Sisters in the United States at meetings of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and at the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life at the Vatican. She held that position during her second term as Prioress of the Sisters of St. Dominic of Amityville. She was Prioress from 1995-2001, and again from 2007-2013. She then served on the staff of LCWR as their Director of Transitional Services. Sr. Hughes now works as a consultant to religious communities as they seek to further their life and mission. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Molloy University, a Master of Science in Early Childhood Education from Hunter College, and both a Master in Education and a Doctorate in Education from Columbia University’s Teachers College.
Sr. Hughes is expected to remain in the role of Interim President until a permanent replacement is named. The Board of Trustees has formed a Pre-Planning Committee which has interviewed professional search firms, canvassed the University community for input, and formed a Presidential Search and Screening Committee which will conduct the first round of interviews of potential candidates. The Board is looking for a candidate who will continue to fulfill the University’s mission to promote educational excellence, leadership, and service in an environment characterized by respect for the individual and concern for the community and its needs.
Sr. Mary Eileen announced her retirement on October 2, 2023, saying she felt the time was right after the institution attained university status and constructed the long-awaited turf field and track for student athletes. The turf field was officially named the O’Brien Field on Saturday, September 30, 2023, in recognition of Sr. Mary Eileen’s years of visionary leadership and service. She is the longest-serving President in Dominican University’s 71-year history and will continue to serve on the Dominican University Board of Trustees.
Dominican University New York currently serves approximately 1,500 students offering undergraduate programs, master’s programs in teacher education, occupational therapy, nursing, business, and organizational leadership and communication, as well as doctoral programs in physical therapy and nursing.
December 18, 2023
FMA Chapter Established for Finance Students
Finance majors have new opportunities now that Dominican University has established a Financial Management Association International (FMA) chapter. Ivan Rudolph-Shabinsky, Director, Division of Business, Leadership, & Innovation, said that FMA is a great resource to help students develop skills and navigate the different areas that offer finance careers.
“There are many benefits. For instance, FMA students have access to Wall Street Prep, which provides practice case studies similar to those that investment banks require students to complete when interviewing for analyst positions. Another benefit is the many conferences and networking events organized by the FMA,” said Rudolph-Shabinsky.
The Dominican University FMA chapter will be open to anyone with an interest in pursuing a career in finance. Weekly meetings will focus on practice case studies and guest speakers. In addition, students will raise money to fund trips. Students interested in joining the chapter should contact the student president, Nicolas Arrieta at N.ArrietaGuerra1@dc.edu.
