Meet Dr. Susan Iverson, Professor and Director of Doctoral Program

When Dr. Susan Iverson first began her journey in higher education, she didn’t immediately know it would become her life’s work. What started as a passion for student involvement during her undergraduate years evolved into a 35-year career dedicated to education, leadership, and mentoring the next generation of change-makers. 

“I didn’t know immediately that the field of higher ed existed,” Iverson recalled with a smile. “But it sort of revealed itself to me.” 

After earning her undergraduate degree, Iverson spent time working with the American Heart Association before returning to campus life as a residence hall director. That role sparked what would become a long and fulfilling career in student affairs. Over the next 15 years, she advanced through a series of administrative positions—from Assistant Director of Housing to Associate Dean—across several institutions in Virginia, Massachusetts, and Maine. 

While at the University of Maine, Iverson began her doctoral studies, assuming she’d continue her path in senior administration. However, the joy she found in teaching and research inspired a pivot. “I decided to take the fork in the road to be a faculty member in higher ed preparation programs,” she said. That decision led her to Kent State University, where she taught in the Higher Education graduate and doctoral programs for a decade. 

In 2016, the next chapter of her story began at ���ϳԹ���. Drawn by the opportunity to help launch the new higher education pathway within the Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership, Iverson brought her years of experience and her passion for preparing thoughtful, empathetic leaders to the region and beyond. By 2017, ���ϳԹ��� had welcomed its first two doctoral cohorts under her guidance. A year later (in 2018), Iverson assumed the role of Program Director, and later, Department Chair—overseeing all graduate and doctoral programs in educational leadership. 

Under her direction, the program has flourished. What began in 2010 as a single doctoral cohort serving PK12 leaders in the region has evolved into three distinct pathways, with growing enrollment and a strong sense of community, serving leaders across the U.S. and beyond. “We had 38 graduates last year,” Iverson said proudly. “We strive to continue to support students in the same personalized way, even as that growth has unfolded.” 

Iverson attributes much of the program’s success to its intentionality, adaptability, and most importantly, its human-centered approach. “We are a program that leads with empathy,” she emphasized. “We understand people’s complicated, personal, scholarly, and professional lives—and we make that understanding central to how we teach and advise.”

That empathy is especially critical as educational leaders navigate the rapidly changing landscape of higher education. From the lingering effects of the pandemic to the rise of generative AI, Iverson and her team are constantly reflecting on how to keep ���ϳԹ���’s curriculum current and meaningful. “It’s on the front of my mind all the time,” she noted. “We’re celebrating 15 years and consistently engage in reflective practice to make sure what happens in our courses is relevant to today’s challenges.” 

Still, amid change, Iverson remains grounded in what she loves most—teaching, advising, and watching her students grow. 

“That’s where my heart is,” she said. “I apparently do a good job in leadership and program coordination, but working with students is where I feel my rewards.”

For aspiring leaders considering a doctorate in educational leadership, Iverson’s advice is both practical and heartfelt. “It’s a stamina test,” she said with a laugh. “You’ve got to really want to do it—not just for promotion or economic gain, but because it’s personally meaningful to you. It’s an investment in yourself.”

She also encourages students to embrace the cohort model, build relationships, and have fun along the way. “Opportunities start to open up when you’re in this space. You’re viewed differently once you become a doctoral student—and the ���ϳԹ��� network is incredibly powerful.” 

Beyond her academic life, Iverson is as down-to-earth as she is accomplished. A proud New England native who grew up on a dairy farm, she loves animals, nature, and the outdoors. She’s more of a cat person—but shares her home with Mauri, a large and lovable Alaskan malamute-pitbull-St. Bernard mix. When she’s not working, you might find her at a brewery, listening to 70s rock, or out dancing. Her favorite food? “Pizza,” she said without hesitation. “And ice cream—definitely ice cream.” 

From winning a cow milking contest as a child to kissing the Blarney Stone in college, Iverson’s journey has been as rich and full of heart as the students she inspires. Her story is a testament to the power of empathy, adaptability, and passion in leadership—and a reminder that the best leaders are those who never stop learning.

Written by Victoria R. DeLucia 

The Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership is designed for practicing and prospective leaders and experienced educators in P-12 and higher education, serving schools, districts, private and independent schools, charter schools, colleges, universities, community organizations, and entrepreneurial endeavors. The Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership consists of 3 pathways and adopts a cohort model enabling students to be part of a dynamic and cohesive community of learners during the EdD program.

Currently enrolled students and doctoral alumni are highly accomplished scholar-practitioners who appreciate and have benefited from the value of having a terminal degree in the field of education.

Celebrating Excellence since 2010

About ���ϳԹ���:

���ϳԹ��� is a private liberal arts institution dedicated to academic excellence, purposeful education, and social responsibility. For three years in a row, “U.S. News and World Report” has ranked ���ϳԹ��� the number one private, non-profit institution in New York among Top Performers of Social Mobility in Regional Universities North. Located 30 miles from New York City on a 100-acre suburban campus in the heart of Westchester County, ���ϳԹ��� enables easy access to entertainment offerings, educational resources, and business opportunities for its primarily residential and diverse student body. The university serves more than 1,300 undergraduate students and nearly 1,000 graduate students from more than 44 countries and 33 states. Founded in 1841, the university offers more than 75 undergraduate and graduate areas of study in the arts and sciences, education, nursing and health sciences, business, and creative writing, as well as continuing and executive education programs. Graduate students can choose from more than 70 graduate and certificate programs. Extracurricular offerings include more than 45 clubs and activities and 24 NCAA Division III teams.

Meet Dr. Shelley Wepner, Professor and Coordinator for the Signature and Higher Education Pathways  

When Dr. Shelley Wepner first stepped into leadership roles as a young student, she didn’t yet know that those early moments—organizing peers, guiding groups, and naturally stepping into the presidency of a local organization she joined—were the first steps toward a lifelong career in educational leadership. What began as instinct quickly evolved into purpose, ultimately bringing her to ���ϳԹ���, where she now serves as Professor, Coordinator for the Signature and Higher Education Pathways, and Dean Emeritus of the School of Education. 

Wepner’s path was anything but linear. After a successful teaching and administrative career in K–12 leadership, she made the leap to higher education for a deeply personal reason: flexibility. As the mother of young twin girls, she sought a profession that would allow her to balance her growing academic ambitions with the demands of raising a family. “The job was just as hard,” she laughed, “but at least I could be available for them and take my paperwork wherever I needed to go.” 

What followed was a steady rise through higher education administration—some of it planned, much of it unexpected. Pushed into a department chair role just after returning from sabbatical, Wepner discovered not only that she could lead, but that she enjoyed it. She later worked closely with her dean, took on roles involving field placement and program development, and found joy in helping others succeed. Those experiences eventually inspired her to pursue the deanship she once never imagined wanting. 

“One of the happiest days of my life,” she recalled, “was when I was offered the job at ���ϳԹ���.” The memory is vivid: she was in California with her family when she received the call. A month later, she had uprooted her life to begin what would become one of her most meaningful professional chapters.

For Wepner, leadership has never been about following a specific theory or framework—it has always been about people. 

“I didn’t set out to be an administrator,” she shared. “But I realized that leadership is really about helping others thrive. It’s about building a community that works together, respects one another, and is motivated to do their best.”

That philosophy has shaped her work with the doctoral program at ���ϳԹ���, where she has witnessed firsthand the extraordinary labor, dedication, and mentorship required to guide students from an initial research idea to a completed dissertation. She speaks with deep admiration for the faculty who support each scholar through what she considers “a very different journey” than any other degree. 

“I wish more people understood the level of commitment it takes,” she said. “The faculty work so hard to help each student succeed. It’s remarkable.”

Beyond ���ϳԹ���, Wepner has watched the broader landscape of education shift—sometimes dramatically. Federal policies continue to impact both K–12 and higher education, requiring institutions to adapt to changing expectations, regulations, and funding realities. To her, this is not a new challenge but an enduring one. “The federal government has always created new rules and regulations,” she noted. “We just have to figure out how to weather whatever storm comes our way.” 

Looking forward, Wepner sees opportunity in growth and refinement. She envisions a future possibility of a special education pathway in the doctoral program and advocates strongly for increased funding to support faculty, who currently carry heavy dissertation advising loads. Above all, she hopes the University will continue to recognize the uniqueness of its doctoral culture—one defined by high completion rates, deep relationships, and an approach to curriculum that builds student confidence step by step. 

“The cohort model, the high-touch mentoring, the scaffolding of coursework—these are things that truly set us apart,” she said. “Our students form bonds that last a lifetime. It really is like a family.” 

The program’s success, she believes, lies in its humanity. Students choose their topics, select their chairs, and move through a process that honors their interests and professional goals. The faculty, in turn, support each other with the same generosity and collaboration they extend to their students. 

To emerging leaders contemplating a doctoral degree, Wepner’s message is simple and emphatic: 

“Do it. Figure out how to get it, and do it now. You can always lose a job, but no one can ever take that degree away from you.” 

Her advice reflects decades of lived experience—from her early days leading student clubs to her years as dean, professor, mentor, and guide. It is advice shaped by resilience, empathy, and a belief in the transformative power of education. 

And behind the titles and accomplishments lies a vibrant, energetic person with passions that keep her grounded—especially her love of exercise. A self-described “addict,” she works out seven days a week on one of her three machines or lifting weights. She loves a good Philly cheesesteak from South Philadelphia, cherishes time with her twin daughters (now 45), grandchildren and sons-in-law, and brings the same discipline to her personal life that she has brought to every professional chapter.

Written by Victoria R. DeLucia

The Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership is designed for practicing and prospective leaders and experienced educators in P-12 and higher education, serving schools, districts, private and independent schools, charter schools, colleges, universities, community organizations, and entrepreneurial endeavors. The Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership consists of 3 pathways and adopts a cohort model enabling students to be part of a dynamic and cohesive community of learners during the EdD program.

Currently enrolled students and doctoral alumni are highly accomplished scholar-practitioners who appreciate and have benefited from the value of having a terminal degree in the field of education.

Celebrating Excellence since 2010

About ���ϳԹ���:

���ϳԹ��� is a private liberal arts institution dedicated to academic excellence, purposeful education, and social responsibility. For three years in a row, “U.S. News and World Report” has ranked ���ϳԹ��� the number one private, non-profit institution in New York among Top Performers of Social Mobility in Regional Universities North. Located 30 miles from New York City on a 100-acre suburban campus in the heart of Westchester County, ���ϳԹ��� enables easy access to entertainment offerings, educational resources, and business opportunities for its primarily residential and diverse student body. The university serves more than 1,300 undergraduate students and nearly 1,000 graduate students from more than 44 countries and 33 states. Founded in 1841, the university offers more than 75 undergraduate and graduate areas of study in the arts and sciences, education, nursing and health sciences, business, and creative writing, as well as continuing and executive education programs. Graduate students can choose from more than 70 graduate and certificate programs. Extracurricular offerings include more than 45 clubs and activities and 24 NCAA Division III teams. 

The School of Arts & Sciences is proud to celebrate Professor Iain Pollock, who was recently featured in the Academy of American Poets’ renowned “Poem-a-Day” series—a long-standing, nationally recognized platform that delivers contemporary poetry to thousands of readers each morning.

Poem-a-Day publishes new work from living poets Monday through Friday, curated each month by a guest editor. Weekend selections highlight historical poets. This month’s guest editor, poet Geffrey Davis, invited Professor Pollock to submit work for consideration. From the poems Pollock shared, Davis selected one, “[And I return to the field],” to feature in the January lineup.

“It was an honor,” Pollock said. “What I appreciate most about being a poet is being part of the very rich contemporary poetic conversation happening right now. Inclusion in this series allowed my voice to rise a little higher within that conversation—if only for a day.”

A Multimedia Feature: Poem & Poet’s Voice

As part of the Poem-a-Day publication, Professor Pollock recorded an audio reading of his poem, allowing listeners to hear it in his own voice. 

He also provided a short written reflection titled “About This Poem,” where he shares the considerations and creative impulses behind the work. Readers can access both features through the .

Exploring the Poem-a-Day Archive

During the feature process, Pollock also pointed out a useful tip for poetry enthusiasts: the Poem-a-Day archive is available on the Academy’s website. Readers can revisit earlier poems, listen to audio recordings, and explore commentary from poets across the country.

For members of the ���ϳԹ��� community—especially creative writing students—this archive is a rich, accessible resource for studying contemporary poetic craft.

Continuing ���ϳԹ���’s Literary Legacy

Professor Pollock’s participation in Poem-a-Day underscores the vibrant literary culture that defines ���ϳԹ���’s Creative Writing Program. His work, mentorship, and national recognition continue to inspire students to develop their voices within the broader artistic landscape.

The ���ϳԹ��� community extends its congratulations to Professor Pollock on this well‑deserved honor.

About Creative Writing Degree Programs at ���ϳԹ���

Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing

The rich literature and writing workshops of ���ϳԹ���’s master's in writing degree program prepare students with various professional goals, from journalism, freelance writing, and teaching to graphic novels and screenwriting.

Flexible genre requirements allow writers to hone skills and develop a professional writing portfolio that doesn’t conform to a single category of writing. Each member of the faculty and your MFA cohort will enrich your writing tools and offer the support needed to succeed in any literary pursuit.

Learn More about the MFA Creative Writing Program

America Nurse Enterprise Research Symposium

The morning was filled with exciting nursing research presentations conducted across the United States. 

Christa was honored to represent ���ϳԹ��� SNHS alongside researchers from Johns Hopkins, Georgetown, and UPenn, among others. This American Nurses Association conference is the largest conference for professional nursing in the United States and is attended by thousands of nurses, nursing executives, and healthcare professionals from top hospitals across the country.

Dr. Hartch was thrilled to reconnect with Dr. Sandra Bibb, former President of Sigma International, who visited the ���ϳԹ��� campus in April 2025 for our chartering and initiation ceremony.

About the School of Nursing and Health Sciences

Our mission is to prepare our current and future students to become transformative healthcare professionals.

Whether it’s your first time attending college or you’re a certified health professional looking to expand your professional opportunities, the School of Nursing and Health Sciences offers patient-centered degree programs grounded in clinical practice.

Future healthcare leaders, holistically trained patient advocates, and ethically responsible health professionals will be given the tools to grow in ���ϳԹ���’s high-tech, high-care nursing and health professions programs.

Clinical Assistant Nursing Professor JoAn Kivlehan, along with several nursing students, provided blood pressure screenings and education about managing hypertension to the ���ϳԹ��� community at the Wellness Expo on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. 

The students participated in experiential learning while applying clinical skills, the nursing process, and making a positive impact on health outcomes. 

Professors Hartch and Kivlehan have been actively leading a variety of SNHS initiatives designed to foster leadership, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Recent activities include a Sigma networking event with alumni, blood pressure screenings at the Wellness Expo, a vaccine clinic in partnership with SHAC, and clothing donations supporting the Clark Center Homeless Run. We’re now looking forward to hosting Dr. Nicholas Cagliuso, Founding Director of the Master of Public Health (MPH) Program, who will speak with Population Health students and Student Nursing Association members on November 14, 2025. Finally, we are especially excited to celebrate the scholastic achievements of our nursing students at the Sigma Induction Ceremony on April 15 at 5:00 p.m. in the West Room.

We invite you to learn more about the School of Nursing and Health Sciences Programs at ���ϳԹ���

Our mission is to prepare our current and future students to become transformative healthcare professionals.

Whether it’s your first time attending college or you’re a certified health professional looking to expand your professional opportunities, the School of Nursing and Health Sciences offers patient-centered degree programs grounded in clinical practice.

Future healthcare leaders, holistically trained patient advocates, and ethically responsible health professionals will be given the tools to grow in ���ϳԹ���’s high-tech, high-care nursing and health professions programs.

Nursing and Health Professions Education at ���ϳԹ���

Informed by the Caritas philosophy, students in our undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs graduate capable of performing necessary tasks and procedures and of fostering moments of healing and care with patients.

���ϳԹ���’s modern approach to nursing and healthcare education develops inter-professional collaborators who can respond to the changing landscape of their fields. Our Caritas healthcare professionals can perform tasks while being completely present and centered with the patient and balance high-tech with high-touch care.

Dr. Sandra Maldonado's article, "The Folkloric Practices of Dominican Women in Managing Bacterial Vaginosis", was published in the April Journal Nurses for Women's Health Journal.

Abstract

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is characterized by changes in the vaginal flora caused by an elevated pH, resulting in symptoms of vaginal discharge, odor, and irritation. BV affects all women, including Dominican women who have specific cultural beliefs regarding vaginal health hygiene. Due to the prevalence of this condition and cultural norms that may influence how women respond to the diagnosis of BV, it is important to understand the factors that may promote the development of BV and that may influence women's choices of treatment options. Amsel's criteria are the most commonly used clinical approach for the diagnosis of BV. Recurrent BV is common and affects women's lives to varying degrees. Discussion about cultural norms and hygienic practices may provide information that may decrease the recurrence of BV. Nurses can provide support and evidence-based information in a culturally sensitive manner to help Dominican women manage BV.

About the School of Nursing and Health Sciences

Our mission is to prepare our current and future students to become transformative healthcare professionals.

Whether it’s your first time attending college or you’re a certified health professional looking to expand your professional opportunities, the School of Nursing and Health Sciences offers patient-centered degree programs grounded in clinical practice.

Future healthcare leaders, holistically trained patient advocates, and ethically responsible health professionals will be given the tools to grow in ���ϳԹ���’s high-tech, high-care nursing and health professions programs.

About ���ϳԹ���

We Are Valiant

Since 1841, ���ϳԹ��� has provided a transformative educational experience.  As a private liberal arts institution, ���ϳԹ��� roots its education in a rich history of academic excellence and innovative programs. With more than 55 undergraduate programs, 70 graduate programs, and a doctoral program, we empower every student to cultivate their intellectual curiosity, sharpen their critical thinking skills, and strive for a more just world.

By the Numbers

125+ Undergraduate and graduate programs

24 Division III sports teams

11:1 Student-faculty ratio

Our History and Legacy

Since its origins as a Catholic boarding school to its present day as a non-denominational, co-ed private university, ���ϳԹ��� has evolved to meet the needs of students who seek a more just world. A haven for independent thinking and socially conscious values, our interdisciplinary education is rooted in the liberal arts and experiential learning. 

Founded in 1841 in New York City as a boarding school and parochial school for women, ���ϳԹ��� has consistently strived to expand higher education to all sectors of society. Under the visionary leadership of President Grace Dammann, R.S.C.J., ���ϳԹ��� voted to admit African-American students in 1938 and we have continuously worked to create a more inclusive student body. Today, over a third of our students identify as first-generation, and even more consider themselves BIPOC. We are also a designated Hispanic Serving Institution, a reflection of our increasingly diverse community. 

We have also grown in other ways. When ���ϳԹ��� officially took over the former estate of diplomat Whitelaw Reid in Westchester in 1952, we cemented our role in the educational development of the region. The U.S. News and World Report named us as the #1 private college for social mobility in New York. Students volunteer over 30,000 hours of community service through the Clark Center for Social Justice. The School of Education offers the highest number of programs and additional support through the Changing Suburbs Institute’s network of Professional Development Schools. Nursing candidates complete clinic hours in local organizations, providing patient-centered care to the area. 

We are proof of how academic excellence, a commitment to social justice, and a global outlook can transform students and, by extension, society. 

Explore Mville History 

Location

���ϳԹ��� benefits from both the peaceful beauty of Westchester County and the vibrant, non-stop energy of New York City. The 100-acre campus provides a safe and comfortable environment where every student’s intellectual life can blossom with the unparalleled professional opportunities of a world-class city, only 30 miles away. 

Reid Castle, a 19th-century architectural gem, anchors the campus and houses the Welcome Center, Admissions, Financial Aid, and several event spaces. Designed by famed Central Park architect, Frederick Law Olmsted, the picturesque green quad hosts our academic buildings and centers, the university library, four performance facilities, and fifteen new or renovated science and nursing labs.

The campus also boasts two historic chapels. The architect Maya Lin restored one, Lady Chapel, to include a glass roof, located near the new Ohnell Environmental Center, a non-invasive structure that reflects ���ϳԹ���’s commitment to sustainability. Our newest building, the Richard A. Berman Student Center, received a LEED gold rating from the U.S. Green Building Council.

In addition to our four residence halls and dining hall, students enjoy amenities like a campus market and store and comprehensive athletic facilities, including a fitness center, tennis courts, an ice rink, a baseball and softball field, and an indoor turf facility. 

We are a short car, train, or bus ride from New York and the city’s main airports. We are also easily accessible by car from anywhere in the TriState area and can also be reached via the Metro North Railroad from NYC Grand Central Terminal or Westchester’s Bee-Line bus. 

Visit Campus            

Professor Christa Hartch presented the results of her Randomized Controlled Trial Study entitled “Effects of a Medication Adherence App Among Medically Underserved Adults with Chronic Illness: A Randomized Controlled Trial” at a Medisafe business meeting.

She utilized the Medisafe app in her independent research, a global digital platform with over 12 million subscribers.

BOSTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / February 13, 2024 / A novel randomized control trial conducted by Vanderbilt University researchers and published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine explored the effect of smartphone applications on medication adherence in a medically underserved population. The trial concluded that Medisafe's free and accessible app provides a transformative impact on medication adherence and medication self-efficacy, a measure that indicates an increase in user's confidence to manage their medications within the first month of use.

Lower-income, medically underserved communities have been found to have inadequate rates of adherence to oral medications. Inadequate adherence is thought to be influenced by social determinants of health (SDOH) and contribute to health disparities. "We found that for participants who used Medisafe, 43.3% demonstrated a reliable increase in adherence scores compared to only 9.7% in the control group. Given that our population focused on patients with chronic illnesses at Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC), this is an important finding," said Christa Hartch, PhD, RN, FNP-C Tenure-Track Assistant Professor School of Nursing and Health Sciences, ���ϳԹ��� College. "The personalized audible and visual reminders were thought to have an impact on increased medication adherence and support the widespread use of this technology within the studied patient population."

The randomized control trial also emphasized the positive impact Medisafe had in increasing participants' self-efficacy, referring to the individual's belief in their ability to successfully perform specific health-related behaviors, which in turn may improve health outcomes, based on the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) framework. The integration of audible and visual reminders into participants' daily lives was postulated to be a key facilitator.

The findings of this research suggest a large-scale benefit of implementing the commercially available, free Medisafe app in FQHC clinical settings, which serve over 30 million patients annually in community health centers across the country. This technology could positively enhance medication adherence and impact chronic disease management for medically underserved populations in the United States.

"Empowering patients through increased medication adherence and self-efficacy, isn't just our goal-it's our proven impact", said Omri Shor, Chief Executive Officer at Medisafe. "Our commitment to enhancing health outcomes for those with chronic illnesses is evident, solidifying Medisafe's support to patients, caregivers, providers, payers and life sciences companies."

Medisafe's industry-leading digital solutions can support your organization. For further information or media inquiries, please contact us at info@medisafe.com.

The company put out a press release highlighting her work here:  as well as here:  

About the School of Nursing and Health Sciences

Our mission is to prepare our current and future students to become transformative healthcare professionals.

Whether it’s your first time attending college or you’re a certified health professional looking to expand your professional opportunities, the School of Nursing and Health Sciences offers patient-centered degree programs grounded in clinical practice.

Future healthcare leaders, holistically trained patient advocates, and ethically responsible health professionals will be given the tools to grow in ���ϳԹ���’s high-tech, high-care nursing and health professions programs.

Professor Ezequiel Ayala Santos recently attended the Association of Educators in Radiologic Technology of the State of New York, Inc. conference. During this event, he was honored with the prestigious Drago Scholarship.

This scholarship is specifically tailored for X-ray technologists aspiring toward or in educational careers who are actively pursuing an advanced degree. His receipt of this scholarship is a testament to his commitment to excellence in teaching and his ongoing contributions to the field of radiography. 

Learn more about ���ϳԹ���'s Radiologic Technology program.

���ϳԹ���’s four-year radiologic technology degree program consists of a selective, focused curriculum that imparts the skills needed to consistently and effectively use ionizing radiation technology to produce images that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.

Through classroom instruction and hands-on learning in both simulated and actual clinical environments, radiologic technology majors learn how to accurately position and use imaging equipment, how to protect patients and operators against radiation, and how to be stellar caregivers who are responsive to all patients.

Kudos to Professor Hartch

Dr. Christa Hartch and Associate Dean Orhan Hakli pictured with Jorge Lujan and Jingqiu Lopez who presented their Holistic Nursing Creative Projects at the ���ϳԹ��� Expo.

The School of Nursing & Health Sciences nursing students, faculty & staff provided a Candy Cart for the nurses to enjoy at Blythedale Children's Hospital for nurses week. We love to celebrate nurses with our clinical partners!

Kudos to Amanda Delerme, clinical coordinator, and Teresa Mandarino, clinical education coordinator along with students Sally Cangialosi who handed out candy and Sofia Lomedico who decorated the cart.

School of Nursing and Health Sciences

Our mission is to prepare our current and future students to become transformative healthcare professionals.

Whether it’s your first time attending college or you’re a certified health professional looking to expand your professional opportunities, the School of Nursing and Health Sciences offers patient-centered degree programs grounded in clinical practice.

Future healthcare leaders, holistically trained patient advocates, and ethically responsible health professionals will be given the tools to grow in ���ϳԹ���’s high-tech, high-care nursing and health professions programs.

EXPERT FACULTY. STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES.

Message from Dean Debra Simons, PhD, RN

I am delighted to welcome you to the School of Nursing and Health Sciences (SNHS) at ���ϳԹ���. You have embarked upon a wonderful transformative journey by taking the first steps in pursuit of your goal to become future healthcare professionals. Our mission is to educate health professionals from a holistic framework in preparation to meet the needs of humanity in a complex health system locally, nationally, and globally. Nursing and Health Sciences are complementary to ���ϳԹ���’s rich history in the liberal arts. Students who graduate from ���ϳԹ��� will be design thinkers, patient-centered, high tech high care, holistically educated professionals who will influence health care institutions seeking to improve safety and health outcomes while enhancing the patient experience and achieve magnet status.

Our faculty are experts in their respective clinical fields of practice, holistic health, and contributions to healthcare. The healthcare professional, as an agent of change, is a stellar inter-professional collaborator, who incorporates design thinking as a practical method for innovation and problem-solving. It is through our mission that, together, we collaboratively learn and grow.

About ���ϳԹ���

We Are Valiant

Since 1841, ���ϳԹ��� has provided a transformative educational experience.  As a private liberal arts institution, ���ϳԹ��� roots its education in a rich history of academic excellence and innovative programs. With more than 55 undergraduate programs, 70 graduate programs, and a doctoral program, we empower every student to cultivate their intellectual curiosity, sharpen their critical thinking skills, and strive for a more just world.

By the Numbers

125+ Undergraduate and graduate programs

24 Division III sports teams

11:1 Student-faculty ratio

More Facts and Figures

Our History and Legacy

Since its origins as a Catholic boarding school to its present day as a non-denominational, co-ed private university, ���ϳԹ��� has evolved to meet the needs of students who seek a more just world. A haven for independent thinking and socially conscious values, our interdisciplinary education is rooted in the liberal arts and experiential learning. 

Founded in 1841 in New York City as a boarding school and parochial school for women, ���ϳԹ��� has consistently strived to expand higher education to all sectors of society. Under the visionary leadership of President Grace Dammann, R.S.C.J., ���ϳԹ��� voted to admit African-American students in 1938 and we have continuously worked to create a more inclusive student body. Today, over a third of our students identify as first-generation, and even more consider themselves BIPOC. We are also a designated Hispanic Serving Institution, a reflection of our increasingly diverse community. 

We have also grown in other ways. When ���ϳԹ��� officially took over the former estate of diplomat Whitelaw Reid in Westchester in 1952, we cemented our role in the educational development of the region. The U.S. News and World Report named us as the #1 private college for social mobility in New York. Students volunteer over 30,000 hours of community service through the Clark Center for Social Justice. The School of Education offers the highest number of programs and additional support through the Changing Suburbs Institute’s network of Professional Development Schools. Nursing candidates complete clinic hours in local organizations, providing patient-centered care to the area. 

We are proof of how academic excellence, a commitment to social justice, and a global outlook can transform students and, by extension, society.

Location

���ϳԹ��� benefits from both the peaceful beauty of Westchester County and the vibrant, non-stop energy of New York City. The 100-acre campus provides a safe and comfortable environment where every student’s intellectual life can blossom with the unparalleled professional opportunities of a world-class city, only 30 miles away. 

Reid Castle, a 19th-century architectural gem, anchors the campus and houses the Welcome Center, Admissions, Financial Aid, and several event spaces. Designed by famed Central Park architect, Frederick Law Olmsted, the picturesque green quad hosts our academic buildings and centers, the university library, four performance facilities, and fifteen new or renovated science and nursing labs.

The campus also boasts two historic chapels. The architect Maya Lin restored one, Lady Chapel, to include a glass roof, located near the new Ohnell Environmental Center, a non-invasive structure that reflects ���ϳԹ���’s commitment to sustainability. Our newest building, the Richard A. Berman Student Center, received a LEED gold rating from the U.S. Green Building Council.

In addition to our four residence halls and dining hall, students enjoy amenities like a campus market and store and comprehensive athletic facilities, including a fitness center, tennis courts, an ice rink, a baseball and softball field, and an indoor turf facility. 

We are a short car, train, or bus ride from New York and the city’s main airports. We are also easily accessible by car from anywhere in the TriState area and can also be reached via the Metro North Railroad from NYC Grand Central Terminal or Westchester’s Bee-Line bus. 

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