U.S. News & World Report Names Dominican University New York A Top Performer on Social Mobility.

Photo of the Dominican University campus with Prusmacki Hall in the distance and the green quad with students walking and sitting .
U.S. New and World Report Ranked Dominican University New York #5 in Social Mobility in Regional Universities (North) (tied)

#5 Ranking in Regional Universities (North) Comes on the Heels of High Enrollment and a Remarkable Stretch of Achievements and Good News for the University

U.S. News & World Report named Dominican University New York a Top Performer on Social Mobility when its Best Colleges rankings were released on September 22, 2026. It follows a string of recent incredible accomplishments for the University. Dominican University welcomed the second largest first-year class in its history this fall, was recently granted approval for three new nursing programs, secured a grant to expand and renovate the nursing simulation lab, and received the single largest one-time donation from an individual ever.   

Dominican University was ranked number 5 in social mobility among regional universities (north) (tied) and was the top private university in New York in this category.

The high social mobility ranking from U.S. News & World Report comes on the heels of a remarkable stretch of accomplishments and good news for Dominican University. This fall, the University welcomed the second largest first-year class in Dominican University’s history, representing 15 states and 7 countries. In addition, the University is celebrating other achievements.    

  • NYS Education Department Approves Three New Nursing Programs: The New York State Education Department approved Dominican University’s request to establish three new nursing programs. For the first time, the University will be offering a psychiatric and mental health graduate program and a post graduate certificate. The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program is a 48- credit, two-year program. The Post-Master’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Certificate is a 22-credit, 12-month program. The programs are offered in a hybrid format and Dominican University will find the approved clinical placement sites. There is a high demand for psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioners and this is a fast-growing career path. Dominican University’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program has also been changed to allow nurses who are not nurse practitioners to apply. Nurses with a BSN and a master’s degree in a related field – such as public health, healthcare administration, informatics, or education – may also be considered.  For more information on these programs, visit:  www.duny.edu/graduate-admissions/
  • University Awarded $1.074 Million Grant to Expand Nursing Lab:  Dominican University New York was awarded a $1.074 million grant to expand the Nursing Simulation Lab in the Prusmack Center for Health and Science Education. The grant was awarded through the New York State Higher Education Capital Matching Program (HECap). The renovation will expand the current 3,900 square foot simulation lab to nearly 6,500 square feet, by converting two nearby classrooms into additional space. The lab will include areas for assessment, maternity/pediatrics, medical/surgical, a skills lab, student workspace, and faculty observation. The new space will have state-of-the-art equipment, such as diagnostic headwalls, work stations, interactive manikins (geriatric, adult, birthing, and baby), a camera system, simulated medications, as well as diagnostic and training instruments. Within four years of completing the project, Dominican University hopes to serve an additional 75 nursing students.
  • Alum Donates $2 Million to Dominican University: A DominicanUniversity alum, who wishes to remain anonymous, has donated $2 million to the University. This is the largest, single, one-time gift to the University from an individual.  The donor requested that $1 million be used for nursing scholarships. The other $1 million of the transformational gift will help make a Dominican University education more affordable for all students.

September 29, 2026

President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA Delivers Commencement Speech With Six Hopes for Class of 2026

Kerry Alys Robinson, President & CEO of Catholic Charities USA, delivered the Commencement Address at the 72nd Annual Dominican University Commencement Ceremony and received an honorary degree of Doctor of Human Letters.

The President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA,  Kerry Alys Robinson, delivered the Commencement Address to the Dominican University New York Class of 2026, offering six hopes for the graduates in six minutes. The 72nd Annual Commencement Ceremony took place on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the Westchester County Center in White Plains, NY.  During the uplifting and hopeful speech, Robinson wished the graduates memory, gratitude, inspiration, empathy, joy, and abundance. 

Among her advice to the graduates was to let their lives be informed by the example of those who inspire them. She said she recently brought leaders from the Catholic Charities network to meet with Pope Leo. “His words – in a Chicago accent no less – of encouragement, understanding and appreciation for the work we do to care for poor and vulnerable people, to restore human dignity and to provide hope were deeply meaningful to us,” she said. “But it is the example of his life that captures my imagination and makes me want to be a better person. Pope Leo lives with palpable integrity, courage, and consistency, while bearing the weight of the whole world, standing on a global stage he never sought, reminding us of our collective call to peace, mercy, love of God and love of neighbor. Our Pope is the most admired leader in the world right now. It is hard to explain, but we know goodness and authenticity when we see it.  Find your moral heroes, name the virtues they exemplify, and emulate them. “

For more than two decades, Robinson has played a leading role in strengthening the Catholic Church.  She is the founding Executive Director of Leadership Roundtable, which looks to lay executives to help the Church be more transparent and accountable, and now serves as a member of its Board of Trustees.  Robinson consistently stresses the need for Catholics and people of all faiths to help our most vulnerable brothers and sisters.  She is the author of the prize-winning book Imagining Abundance: Fundraising, Philanthropy, and A Spiritual Call to Service.  During the Commencement ceremony, Robinson was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters for her dedication to the Catholic Church and service to those who are in need.

Dominican University President Manuel Martínez, Ph.D., also addressed the graduates telling them that the world is full of possibilities and it needs them – people unwilling to settle for what is easy over what is right. “Define success on your own terms. Don’t let success be defined by how much you make, the number of followers on your social media, or how fast you get promoted. Instead, let success be measured by the lives you touch, the injustices you challenge, how you carry yourself, and the effort and energy you put to achieve your goals,” he said. “Let success be measured in the way you listen to those who don’t have a voice. The way you lead with care and humility. The way you show up — even when there’s no applause.”

Other honorees during Commencement, in addition to Robinson, include:

Margaret R. Kaplen – Kaplen is a nurse, philanthropist, and community leader.  An alumna of Dominican University’s nursing program and President of the Kaplen Foundation, Kaplen has made her supporting nurses and nursing education a central focus of her philanthropic mission.  She was awarded an honorary degree of Humane Letters for her unwavering generosity in advancing the nursing profession and expanding educational opportunities for countless students. 

Mary Bernadette “Molly” O’Donnell ’13 – Since graduating from Dominican University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, O’Donnell has been a model of leadership and service in the Goshen, New York, community.  She is currently the Commissioner of Jurors for Orange County, New York, and was the former mayor of the village of Goshen.  Her tireless advocacy of small businesses civic engagement, and the arts have earned her numerous honors, including being named a Woman of Distinction by the New York State Assembly.  O’Donnell was the recipient of the 2026 Badami Outstanding Alumna Award. 

Dr. Carl Procario-Foley – Procario-Foley serves as the Executive Director of the Center at Mariandale, a retreat and conference center which is a ministry of the Dominican Sisters of Hope. He guides the center in pursing the Sisters’ commitments to care for the earth, support the marginalized, and inform participants of the transformative power of hope.  Under his leadership, Mariandale has begun offering opportunities for students from colleges and universities around the country.  Procario-Foley was presented with the 2026 Veritas Medal. 

There were 349 Dominican University graduates in 2026 who earned 30 doctoral degrees, 90 master’s degrees, 228 bachelor’s degrees and 1 associates degree. 

May 18, 2026

U.S. News & World Report Recognizes Dominican University on Best Colleges List

Two male students headed into the Granito Center on campus

Dominican University New York has been named a top National University for Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Report for 2026.  Dominican University was ranked No. 27 for social mobility nationwide among National Universities. Top performers in this category are more successful than other universities at advancing social mobility by enrolling and graduating many students who struggle financially and are awarded Pell Grants.

Even before being publicly recognized, Dominican University has always advocated that all young people, no matter what their economic background, deserve access to a quality higher education. The University’s student/faculty ratio of 13/1 helps students have the support they need to succeed in the classroom and graduate. A top-notch education at Dominican University will open many doors for students to a successful future.

Dominican University is considered a National University, which is defined as an institution that offers a full range of undergraduate majors as well as master’s and doctoral degrees.  In addition to a wide range of undergraduate programs, Dominican University offers master programs in business, nursing, education, occupational therapy, and organizational leadership.  It also offers doctorate degrees in nursing and physical therapy.  Dominican University is the only university located in Rockland County, New York, 17 miles from New York City.  

September 30, 2025

Dominican University Named an Opportunity College and University by the Carnegie Classifications

Dominican University New York has been designated as an Opportunity College and University by the Carnegie Classifications, recognizing the University as a model of a campus that fosters student success. Opportunity Colleges and Universities are higher access, higher earnings institutions that prioritize and foster student success before, during, and after enrollment. Dominican University New York is the only institution of higher education in Rockland County to earn this designation. 

The Opportunity Colleges and Universities designation is part of a newly developed Student Access and Earnings Classification published this month by the Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education. This new classification examines the extent to which institutions foster opportunities for student success by measuring whether institutions are enrolling students reflective of the communities they serve and how the earnings of those students compare to peers in their area. In 2025, 479 institutions have been identified as Opportunity Colleges and Universities, which is about 16% of all U.S. colleges and universities that are in the Student Access and Earnings Classification.

“We are delighted to be identified as an Opportunity College and University,” said Manuel Martínez, Ph.D., President, Dominican University New York. “The University has always supported the belief that all young people should have access to higher education.  Once students are on campus, we support them in the classroom and set them up for success in their future careers. This new designation is recognition of our efforts to prioritize and foster student success and I’m grateful to all of the administrators, faculty, and staff for their part in helping us earn this designation.”    

The methodology for the new Student Access and Earnings Classification uses multidimensional groupings of the 2025 Institutional Classification to evaluate student access and earnings between similar colleges and universities. 

More information about 2025 Student Earnings and Access Classifications, including the methodology, can be found here. 

About the Carnegie Classification

The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education is the leading framework for recognizing and describing institutional diversity in U.S. higher education. The Carnegie Commission on Higher Education developed the classification in 1973 to support its program of research and policy analysis, and it was updated in 1976, 1987, 1994, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2018, 2021, and 2025 to reflect changes among colleges and universities. It will next be updated in 2028, with subsequent updates every three years.

About the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching

The mission of the Carnegie Foundation is to catalyze transformational change in education so that every student has the opportunity to live a healthy, dignified, and fulfilling life. Enacted by an act of Congress in 1906, the Foundation has a rich history of driving transformational change in the education sector, including  the establishment of TIAA-CREF and the creation of the Education Testing Service, the GRE, Pell Grants, and the Carnegie Classifications for Higher Education.

About the American Council on Education

ACE unites and leads higher education institutions toward a shared vision for the future. With more than 1,600 member colleges, universities, and associations, ACE designs solutions for today’s challenges and advances public policy to support a diverse and dynamic higher education sector. Learn more at www.acenet.edu or follow ACE on X (formerly Twitter) @ACEducation and LinkedIn american-council-on-education.

April 24, 2025

Dominican University Sets New Records for Admissions Applications and Acceptances

Dr. Manuel Martinez, President of Dominican University New York, speaks with current students on campus.

Dominican University has set new records for both the number of admissions applications received, and the number of acceptance offers extended for the upcoming academic year. Prospective students submitted 74.65% more applications this year as compared to 2021 when applications had dropped because of the COVID pandemic. In addition, 73.98% more student applications were accepted this year, compared to four years ago.

“This surge in applications reflects the growing recognition of Dominican University as a top choice for higher education,” said Nick Marter, Executive Director of Admissions. “We love that more students are saying yes to DUNY.”

The heightened demand underscores Dominican University’s reputation for academic excellence, innovative programs, and a student-centered approach. As more students seek a dynamic and supportive learning environment, Dominican University continues to stand out as a leader in preparing graduates for success. 

March 25, 2025

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

Congratulations to the Class of 2023: Watch Their Commencement Highlights

Join us as we celebrate the achievements and accomplishments of the Class of 2023. In this video, you will see some of the best moments from their graduation ceremony, which took place on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at the Westchester County Center.

Read the account of the event.

May 18, 2023

Dominican University’s 69th Annual Commencement Ceremony Held on May 17, 2023

Inventor Dr. Victor Lawrence, whose discoveries led to worldwide access to the internet and HDTV, delivered the Commencement Address at the Westchester County Center 

The Class of 2023 was celebrated during the 69th Annual Commencement at the Westchester County Center in White Plains, NY, on May 17, 2023.  Inventor Victor Lawrence, Ph.D., whose discoveries led to worldwide access to the internet and HDTV, delivered the Commencement Address was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree. 

Dr. Lawrence is a member of the National Inventors Hall of Fame, a former Vice President for Advanced Communications Technology at AT&T Bell Laboratories and Lucent Technologies,  and the former Associate Dean and Charles Batchler Chair Professor of Engineering at Stevens Institute of Technology.  He is now a Senior Research Scientist and Director of the Center for Intelligent Networked Systems at Stevens   Dr. Lawrence holds 53 U.S. and international patents, is the co-author of five books and has published more than 100 papers.  In addition to inventing technologies that have improved life around the globe, he is a tireless advocate for worldwide access to the internet, and committed to mentoring the next generation of inventors. 

Other outstanding alumni and community members recognized during the Commencement ceremony include:

Sr. Jean Graffweg, O.P. ‘70  – Sr. Jean is the Migrant Head Start Director at House on the Hill in Goshen, NY, an early childhood and migrant seasonal Head Start center that serves the children of farmworkers in Orange County .  She was awarded the Veritas Medal during Commencement.  Throughout her 42 years of ministry, Sr. Jean has filled many roles at House on the Hill, serving as a kindergarten teacher, bus driver,  and even a cook.  The mission of House on the Hill is to provide comprehensive educational, health, social services, disability services, nutrition services, community partnerships,  and family engagement to the children who are between two months and five years old.

P. Joseph Corless– Corless is a professional engineer with Corless & Associates, who has over 50 years of environmental and civil engineering activities,  including construction management, general civil and municipal engineering.  As a past chair of the Dominican University New York Board of Trustees, and a longtime trustee, Corless has volunteered to serve as Project Engineer to oversee the multiple facilities that the University has constructed during his time on the board.  His expertise, hard work, and generous commitment to the institution have made the development of Dominican’s campus possible.  Corless received an honorary Doctor of Science degree.  

Daniel Colon, ’13 – Colon was awarded the Badami Outstanding Alumnus Award, a prestigious award presented to a young alumnus each year.  Colon is a research and development specialist at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. He overcame a difficult childhood and knew education was the pathway to a better life.  Since graduating, Colon has returned to Dominican University on several occasions to talk to our biology majors about his professional and personal journey.  He also started an intern program, has mentored many Dominican University students and supported the hiring of Dominican graduates for entry level positions in the vaccine industry.

April 17, 2023

Dominican College is Now Dominican University New York

A new sign for Dominican University New York was unveiled by administrators.

Dominican College has been elevated to the status of a university, becoming the first university in Rockland County. Dominican College President Sr. Mary Eileen O’Brien, O.P., Ph.D., announced on May 18, 2022, that New York State Board of Regents has granted Dominican College university status and approved the name change to Dominican University New York. 

“This is an important milestone in our history as we prepare to celebrate our 70thanniversary,” said Sr. Mary Eileen.  “Changing our name to Dominican University New York brings formal recognition to the caliber of our academic programs.  With our new name comes additional prestige and more opportunities for the school and our students.”

Dominican offers a range of undergraduate programs and graduate programs in nursing, business, occupational therapy, education, and organizational leadership and communication.  In addition, it has the distinction of being the only institution in Rockland County to offer doctoral degrees – including Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).  Dominican has a strong academic reputation for its liberal arts, business, education, and health-related programs. Recently, Dominican added programs in finance, information technology, health sciences, and marketing. Dominican also caters to adult learners through programs in the evenings, on weekends, or online.

The news of the university status follows earlier announcements that Dominican had secured two federal grants, one from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the other from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).  Dominican was one of only 10 higher education institutions nationwide and the only one in New York State to receive the HHS grant and will use the funding to launch a new Public Health Informatics and Technology (PHIT) program this fall. 

“The news about our university status coupled with the infusion of the federal funds will certainly raise the profile of our school,” said Sr. Mary Eileen.  “Dominican University New York has a bright future that will serve more students from around the region and beyond.”

Dominican was granted university status by the New York State Board of Regents based on the fact that Dominican offers graduate programs in at least three of the following discipline areas: agriculture, biological sciences, business, education, engineering, fine arts, health professions, humanities, physical sciences, and social sciences.

Founded in 1952 by the Dominican Sisters of Blauvelt, the College began 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. A number of new buildings were constructed including an athletics facility, residence halls, a dining hall, and a new academic building for health and science education. The most recent construction was the expansion of the Hennessy Center with a new gymnasium and fitness center. A new turf field is anticipated for 2023.  Dominican has a total of 17 NCAA Division II sports teams, as well as a competitive rowing club and a new esports team. 

Dominican has been named both a College of Distinction and a Catholic College of Distinction.  On the U.S. News & World Report 2022 Best Colleges List, Dominican was ranked #21 out of Regional Universities North for social mobility.  It is also designated a Hispanic Serving Institution and was recognized as Military Friendly.

Dominican University New York moves forward with a renewed spirit and dedication to its 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. 

May 18, 2022