Dominican University New York Receives Nursing Education Award
Nursing Professor AnneMarie McDermott instructing students.
Dominican University New York has been honored for its commitment to improving nursing education. The University received the Assessment and Impact Award for Nursing Education from Skyfactor Benchworks, a Macmillan Learning brand. The award celebrates the innovative ways that nursing schools create positive education experiences within their programs.
Dominican University was recognized for maintaining one-on-one connections with students during the pandemic and purchasing a simulation lab to provide instruction for students.
“Nurses provide hands-on care, support, and treatment for people when they’re at their most vulnerable, and successful nursing education creates nurses who are ready for that incredible challenge. Our team is pleased to recognize Dominican University New York, King University and Thomas Jefferson University as being best-in-class in listening to the needs of nursing students and teaching them how to deliver safe, quality patient care,” said Steven Ray, Vice President of Enterprise Solutions, Macmillan Learning.
The three winners were selected using a multi-step evaluation process that included an analysis of multi-year assessment data by the Benchworks Analytics and Research Team. The programs selected had the best results or best increases in performance as determined by survey scores. Skyfactor Benchworks assessments are the most widely used programs in nursing education and have been available for nearly 25 years.
January 6, 2023
Dominican University New York Steps Up Commitment to Esports Program
The above photo depicts the anticipated design of Dominican University New York’s new Esports Arena.
Dominican University New York is stepping up its commitment to competitive gaming on campus with the construction of a new, state-of-the-art Esports Lounge and Gaming Center. The Esports Center will be equipped with more than 24 PC stations, a streaming room, digital media stations, and a broadcasting suite.
The University first entered the world of competitive gaming in spring of 2022, through a partnership with TeamMETA, a full–service esports management and development company. “As a TeamMETA–represented school, we not only teach and inspire, but we give schools access to play against some of the most well-known teams in the country,” said Christopher Leonard, owner of TeamMETA. “We are excited to help build something really special at Dominican.”
The Esports Center will also include a practice area, as shown in the rendering above.
Dominican University Senior and Esports President DeAntae McFarlane said that the first season of esports at DU was a big success, “We have teams currently competing in Smash, Call of Duty, and Rocket League with more games to be added soon. It was so exciting to have key wins in our first season against D1 Baylor University and Florida Atlantic.”
The esports program uses a team of coaches to provide the esports athletes with a rigorous training schedule and help them become better players. Each week, students learn a new skill based on their games of choice and skill levels. Non-competitive gamers who just want to play for fun are also welcome to join the esports program.
Construction of the new Esports Center is expected to start in spring of 2023 and be completed by next fall.
Prospective students interested in learning more about the program should fill out this questionnaire.
October 18, 2022
University Celebrates Its 70th Anniversary
President Sr. Mary Eileen O’Brien and Chancellor Sr. Kathleen Sullivan at Dominican University New York’s 70th Anniversary celebration.
Just months after being elevated to the status of a university, Dominican University New York reached another important milestone – its 70th anniversary. Administrators, faculty, staff, and friends of the university gathered in the Lawrence Room of Rosary Hall on October 1, 2022, for an event “Celebrating Our First 70 Years of Excellence.”
One of the highlights of the event was a video presentation that reviewed the last 70 years of the University’s history beginning with the founding of the institution by the Dominican Sisters of Blauvelt in 1952 as a two-year college for religious women to become educators. Over the years, the campus expanded to accommodate a growing enrollment and to welcome resident students.
Sr. Mary Eileen O’Brien O.P., Ph.D., President, Dominican University New York, said, “The first 70 years have been most productive. We look forward to the next 70 and beyond.”
Among the guests at the anniversary celebration was New York State Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick, who presented Sr. Mary Eileen with a proclamation honoring the University on 70 years of outstanding educational services in the community. “To see a county, a state, and really a world full of people that have gone through this special place – who have gotten their educational foundation, their religious foundation, and set them up for a life of success,” he said.
New Fundraising Campaign Launched
Steven Sabatini, Chair, Dominican University New York Board of Trustees, said the University had a lot to be proud of, having educated more than 15,000 alumni and encouraged education, leadership, respect for the individual, and service to the community.
During the event, Sabatini announced the launch of a new fundraising campaign. “’Charging Forward With U’ is our current initiative focused on raising support from our alumni and friends so that we can ensure that both the current and future generations of Chargers are supported with the resources they need in order to prepare for success.” He said any donation – large or small – makes a difference and moves the University closer to this year’s fundraising goal of $1.35 million. Sabatini announced that he and his wife are kicking off the contributions with a $25,000 commitment on top of a previous gift to the turf field and a provision in his will to Dominican University.
Because of the urgency and importance of the fundraising effort, Sabatini said he hoped others would support the campaign, “Together we can continue to make a difference in the lives of the thousands of individuals who have and will be impacted by Dominican University.” Those wishing to contribute to the campaign can donate here.
University’s Four Stages of Development
Sr. Mary Eileen told attendees that she has often thought of the University’s history in four stages of development. During the first 15 years, the institution transitioned from a Junior College for the Dominican Sisters to a four-year independent liberal arts college for both men and women. The second phase, which lasted 20 years, saw the broadening of undergraduate offerings, especially in business, health-related programs, and social work. The institution began outreach to non-traditional students with the establishment of the Weekend College. A partnership with the South Orangetown Central School District allowed for the use of Cooke Hall and Casey Hall for classrooms and administrative offices.
Between 1987 and 2007, or the third phase, the campus expanded with the construction of new buildings and evolved from a commuter college to a campus for residents and commuters. In 1994, a new athletic facility, the Hennessy Center, was opened. The next priority was to provide on-campus housing and to construct a dining hall and student center for the new residents. In 1996, Hertel Hall, a 290-bed residence hall, and Granito Center, a student center and dining hall opened.
In 2005, the Prusmack Center for Health and Science Education was completed, offering updated classrooms, laboratories, and a lecture hall. Enrollment continued to grow throughout this period and in 2007 Guzman Hall, a 200-bed student residence, was constructed. Sullivan Library also opened in its new location in Rosary Hall in 2007. The third phase also is when Dominican established graduate programs in Teacher Education, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and an MBA.
Sr. Mary Eileen said that we are now 15 years into the development of a fourth phase of development in which technology has grown, the lease/purchase of an additional 17 acres of land from the Sisters of Blauvelt was completed, and a Master Plan for the use of this property was developed. During this most recent phase, there has been a focus on career development and fostering internships. Faculty are developing new general education curriculum and the University is exploring alternative sources of income. The crowning achievement during the current phase, has been the name change from Dominican College to Dominican University, New York.
October 5, 2022
DU Offers Early Admission Pathway to Saint Elizabeth University PA Program
Physician assistant students working in the Saint Elizabeth University Simulation Lab.
Dominican University New York and Saint Elizabeth University (SEU), in Morristown, N.J., today announced an agreement to offer a new pathway to becoming a physician assistant. Under the agreement, up to three eligible Dominican University students will be interviewed during their junior year for early admission decision into SEU’s M.S. in Physician Assistant program.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for our students who wish to become physician assistants to receive early admission into a well-respected master’s program,” said Sr. Mary Eileen O’Brien, O.P., Ph.D., president, Dominican University New York. “Dominican University has built an impressive reputation in the health fields and this new program will provide additional professional opportunities for our students.”
“We are very excited to work with Dominican University as SEU’s mission of providing a high-quality education to students of diverse ages, backgrounds, and cultures is an excellent fit with that of Dominican University,” said Anne Clark Bartlett, Ph.D., provost and vice president for the Division of Academic Affairs and Student Life at SEU. “We look forward to welcoming our first Dominican University students to the program.”
Students planning to apply for acceptance into the 28-month-long SEU physician assistant program will receive advisement throughout their undergraduate study at Dominican University to ensure that they complete the prerequisite courses and meet the qualifications to enter the program. In order to be interviewed for the program in their junior year, students must have a cumulative prerequisite GPA of 3.4 and a cumulative GPA of 3.2, and be on track to complete all of the required prerequisite courses with a B or better. Candidates also must meet the following requirements by March of their senior year:
Complete a minimum of 300 direct patient care hours
Complete a minimum of 16 physician assistant shadow hours
Complete a minimum of 50 community service hours
Complete a Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistant (CASPA) application
Submit scores for the Physician Assistant College Admissions Test (PA-CAT).
Submit three recommendations including one from a professor and one from a physician or physician assistant.
Under the new agreement, the first Dominican University students will be interviewed for conditional admission to the SEU Physician Assistant program in February 2023. Visit SEU’s M.S. in Physician Assistant page for more information on the program.
September 26, 2022
Dominican University NY Ranked a Top Performer on Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report ranked Dominican University New York a Top Performer on Social Mobility on its 2022-2023 Best Colleges list. Dominican College was ranked in the top 14% for social mobility among national universities. Top performers in this category are more successful than other institutions at advancing social mobility by enrolling and graduating large proportions of students awarded Pell Grants.
Dominican University has always welcomed students of diverse economic backgrounds and first generation students, while promoting educational excellence, leadership, and service throughout the university community. In addition, the University has been designated a Hispanic Serving Institution and Military Friendly.
This is the third time that the institution has been recognized for social mobility by U.S. News & World Report. However, it is the first time that Dominican is considered a national university in the rankings, since becoming Dominican University New York in May 2022.
September 12, 2022
Dominican University Named a 2022-2023 College of Distinction
Dominican University has been recognized for its commitment to helping undergraduate students learn, grow, and succeed by Colleges of Distinction, a unique guide for college-bound students. Dominican University has been named a 2022-2023 College of Distinction, a New York College of Distinction, and a Catholic College of Distinction.
Colleges of Distinction selection process is comprised of thorough research and detailed interviews with the schools. Schools that are named a College of Distinction must demonstrate that they have engaged students, great teaching, a vibrant community, and successful outcomes.
“When we focus all of our attention on how schools stack up against one another, we lose track of what really matters: the students themselves,” said Wes Creel, Founder of Colleges of Distinction. “Every student has individual needs and their own environment in which they’re most likely to thrive. We want to extend our praise to the schools that prioritize and cater to students’ goals.”
Dominican University earned additional recognition for its nursing, education, and business programs. “We’re looking for such qualities as accreditation, breadth of program, advising and mentoring, integration of career services, and successful outcomes for students,” said Tyson Schritter, Chief Operating Officer for Colleges of Distinction.
Since 2000, Colleges of Distinction has been committed to honoring schools throughout the U.S. for excellence in higher education. The member schools within the Colleges of Distinction consortium distinguish themselves through their dedicated focus on the undergraduate experience.
June 24, 2022
Dominican University New York Makes List of Best Nursing Schools
Dominican University New York ranked #25 out of nursing schools in the New York City Metropolitan Region, according to Nursing Schools Almanac.
Nursing Schools Almanac has released its 2022 rankings of the best nursing schools and Dominican University New York, formerly known as Dominican College, was included in the list. The university ranked #25 in the New York City Metropolitan Region.
Nursing Schools Almanac collected data on nearly 3,000 nursing schools nationwide. The institutions were assessed on three criteria:
The institution’s academic prestige and perceived value.
The breadth and depth of nursing programs offered.
Student success, particularly on the NCLEX licensure examinations.
Dominican University New York offers a number of nursing programs on the undergraduate and graduate level including: a traditional nursing program; RN to BSN; accelerated nursing program; weekend accelerated BSN; evening BSN; a Master of Science Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner); and a Doctor of Nursing Practice.
June 15, 2022
College Launches New Public Health Informatics & Technology (PHIT) Programs
PHIT Program Manager Carrie Boericke
Beginning in fall 2022, Dominican College students will be able to study the interesting and expanding field of Public Health Informatics and Technology (PHIT). PHIT is a multi-disciplinary field applying data science skills to solve complex health care issues and to improve public health outcomes. The College will offer a PHIT concentration in both the Health Sciences major and the Information Technology major, a PHIT minor, and a post-baccalaureate certificate program for adults.
The College’s Health Sciences program and the IT program in the Business Administration Division have teamed up to lead the PHIT Force. “This is a terrific opportunity to expand career options for Dominican College graduates,” said PHIT Program Manager Carrie Boericke. “Becoming a public health informaticist will open up paths that are literally just coming into view on the horizon – both in private and public sector institutions. Data skills will be key to success and social mobility for today’s students.”
The PHIT program at Dominican College is funded through a $1.9 million PHIT Workforce Program grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC). Dominican College was one of only 10 higher education institutions nationwide to receive this funding. The grant aims to strengthen U.S. public health information technology efforts, improve COVID-19 data collection, and increase the diversity of the public health IT workforce.
Dominican College’s PHIT courses will begin with an introduction to PHIT, including a discussion of career options and case studies of how it can be used to address health disparities in communities. Students will then hone data and project skills in an emergency response role-play exercise, simulating a public health emergency. All PHIT Force students will have a paid internship to cap off their studies, recognizing that employers are looking for real-world experience in job applicants.
A consortium has been developed to help administer the program. The consortium, which may expand, now includes Bon Secours Charity Health System, CorEvitas, Cornerstone Family Healthcare, Mount Sinai Health System, EmpiRx Health, and the New York State Department of Health. Consortium members will provide internship opportunities and feedback to keep the curriculum relevant for evolving employer requirements.
Prospective students interested in learning more about the PHIT Force program at Dominican College should email Assistant Professor Carrie Boericke at carrie.boericke@duny.edu.
February 3, 2022
College Awarded $6.4 Million in Federal Grants
Dominican College has received two federal grants totaling $6.4 million from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC). These grants were secured to establish the STEM Opportunities for Hispanic and Low-Income Students (SOHLIS) Project and a Public Health Informatics & Technology Workforce Development Program (PHIT Workforce Program) that both aim to increase the diversity of students entering these fields.
“As a Hispanic-serving institution, Dominican College is in a unique position to educate a diverse student body in high-demand fields and help contribute to a more diverse workforce,” said Dominican College President Sr. Mary Eileen O’Brien, O.P, Ph.D. “These federal grants will enable us to establish comprehensive STEM and public health informatics technology programs, which will both go a long way in increasing educational and career opportunities for our students.”
Dominican College was awarded a $4.5 million, five-year grant from ED to develop the SOHLIS Project. This project will establish student services and curricular programs to increase Dominican College’s STEM program enrollment, retention, degree completion, and career entry. As part of this grant, Dominican College will partner with Rockland, Westchester, and Bergen Community Colleges to strengthen articulation agreements.
In addition, ONC awarded Dominican College a $1.9 million grant to develop and establish a PHIT Workforce Program which will include paid internships and career placement for students. The funds will be used to develop a proposal, to be submitted to the New York State Education Department for consideration and approval, for a PHIT concentration within the Health Sciences and/or Information Technology majors. The PHIT Workforce Program is funded through the American Rescue Plan and aims to increase the number and diversity of students entering the field of public health informatics technology to improve public health reporting and address systematic health inequities.
October 5, 2021
Founders Week Keynote Presentation Focuses on St. Rose of Lima
Sr. Kathleen McManus, O.P., delivered the keynote presentation during the 2021 Founders Week celebration.
Dominican College students learned about 17th century mystic and prophet St. Rose of Lima during the first event of Founders Week on Monday, September 20, 2021. In her keynote presentation, Sr. Kathleen McManus, O.P., described how St. Rose – known as the little saint of Lima – served the poor and sick and was concerned about the plight of indigenous miners and their families.
Sr. McManus described a mystic as someone who pays attention and told the students that attention is the natural prayer of the soul. “Who or what is a prophet? Someone who speaks truth and asks for justice in response to what gets their attention,” she said. “As you go forth from here contemplate this: What gets your attention and what are you going to do about it? Can you be a daring mystic and prophet of our time?”
Sr. McManus is a Dominican Sister of Blauvelt, NY, and former associate professor of systematic theology at the University of Portland. She has written extensively on Christology, theological anthropology and the theology of suffering. Founders Week is the annual celebration of Dominican College’s heritage and the Dominican Sisters who established it.
Dominican College has received two federal grants totaling $6.4 million from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC). These grants were secured to establish the STEM Opportunities for Hispanic and Low-Income Students (SOHLIS) Project and a Public Health Informatics & Technology Workforce Development Program (PHIT Workforce Program) that both aim to increase the diversity of students entering these fields.