Misericordia Welcomes New Faculty for 2024-2025 Academic Year Misericordia University announces the addition of new faculty members for the 2024-25 academic year. In the College of Health Sciences and Education, Kimberly Conaboy, DNP, and Daniel J. Satterfield, DNP, have each been appointed assistant professor in the nursing program, while Gail Hoover, DNP, and Xinzhi Chen, Ph.D., were each appointed assistant professor in the nursing program at the Pittsburgh campus. Amy Flaherty, MSPAS, and Justine Samanas, MSPAS, have each been appointed assistant professor of physician assistant studies. Amanda Benbow, MSW, was appointed assistant professor of social work; Amanda Salak, OTD, was appointed assistant professor of occupational therapy; Kearston T. Healy, MS, was appointed assistant professor of speech-language pathology, and Alana Carusotto, DPT, was appointed assistant professor of physical therapy. The College of Business made the following appointments: James Ricardo, MS, as instructor of sport management; Michelle R. Conway, MBA, as instructor of management and entrepreneurship, and Greta M. Keiper-Blake, DBA, as assistant professor of marketing. The College of Arts and Sciences appointed Stacy M. Wittrock, MA, assistant professor of criminology; Joshua Carey, Ph.D. as assistant professor of mathematics; Kriszta Sajber, Ph.D., as assistant professor of philosophy; Matthew P. Thornburg, Ph.D. associate professor of political science (formerly government, law, and national security), Mary Jane Brundage, Ph.D. as assistant professor of physics and Peter Nelson, Ph.D. was appointed visiting assistant professor of psychology.
Misericordia University College of Business Hosts Middle Management Toolkit Training Right in the Middle is a dynamic professional development course designed specifically for mid-level managers and directors who are responsible for driving organizational success. This course will provide actionable strategies and a toolkit to help you excel in your critical role. Course Highlights: Learn the three key roles of a middle manager: Doer, Leader, and Influencer Gain practical insights from industry experts with years of experience Explore concrete lessons and actionable takeaways that you can apply to your everyday work Meet the Experts: Jeff Sigel: Marketing executive with experience at Cracker Barrel, Ahold, The Hershey Company, and Nabisco. Bernie Banas: Former VP at The Hershey Company and President at Dewey’s Bakery/Salem Baking Company. Whether you’re leading teams, delivering on KPIs, or ensuring high-quality work, this course will help you embrace your role in the middle and find fulfillment in it. Course Dates: Thursday, September 12, 2024 (Meet in person on campus of Misericordia University) Thursday, September 19, 2024 (Virtual via ZOOM) Thursday, September 26, 2024 (Virtual via ZOOM) Thursday, October 3, 2024 (Virtual via ZOOM) Thursday, October 10, 2024 (Meet in person on campus of Misericordia University) Sign up today to take the next step in your leadership journey! https://www.misericordia.edu/right-in-the-middle
Misericordia University Appoints Dr. Norton as Dean of the College of Health Sciences and Education Misericordia University is proud to announce the appointment of Lisa May Norton, Ed.D., as the new dean of the College of Health Sciences and Education. Norton assumed her role on September 1, 2024 With a distinguished career spanning over 25 years, Norton brings a wealth of experience in higher education administration and a strong commitment to advancing social justice and fostering inclusive academic environments. She joins Misericordia University from Touro University California, where she served as dean for the College of Education and Health Sciences. Her tenure at Touro was marked by her leadership in enhancing student support services, securing grants for mentoring programs, and spearheading strategic enrollment management initiatives that significantly improved student retention and success. Norton’s academic journey and professional accomplishments make her an ideal fit for Misericordia University. She has been actively engaged in community organizations and served on various advisory boards, demonstrating her dedication to community engagement and social justice advocacy. Her extensive experience in strategic planning, accreditation processes, and program development will be invaluable in advancing the College of Health Sciences and Education’s reputation and brand identity. As Misericordia University’s mission is rooted in the charisms of mercy, service, justice, and hospitality, we are thrilled to welcome Norton. Her passion for educational leadership and collaborative leadership style are expected to benefit the university community and foster a culture of growth and excellence. David Rehm, Ph.D., vice president of Academic Affairs, expressed his confidence in Norton’s appointment, stating, “Dr. Norton’s extensive experience and commitment to fostering inclusive and supportive educational environments align perfectly with our values at Misericordia University. We are certain that her leadership will significantly contribute to the continued success and growth of our College of Health Sciences and Education.” For more information about Misericordia University’s College of Health Sciences and Education, click here.
Misericordia Hosts Centennial Trustee Associates Gala Misericordia University President Emeritus Dr. Michael MacDowell, Tina MacDowell, and trustee emeritus Sandy Insalaco Sr. will be among the very special honorees when the university hosts its Centennial Trustee Associates Gala on September 28, 2024. The board of trustees invites and will give thanks to all trustee associate level donors of the 2023-24 academic year, and will offer a special commemoration to Misericordia’s foundresses, the sisters of Mercy, and those who carry on their 100-year-old mission today. Misericordia has been awarded $100,000 from the Mercy Foundation to establish the Mercy Foundation Legacy Scholarship, and the university hopes to raise another $100,000 for scholarships through gala sponsorships and honor roll opportunities. To learn more about the Centennial Trustee Associates Gala please visit https://www.misericordia.edu/news/news-post-page/~board/news/post/centennial-trustee-associates-gala-to-honor-special-members-of-the-misericordia-university-community Although gala admission is by invitation only, numerous sponsorship opportunities and an honor roll listing are available for those who would like to recognize the honorees, and support and celebrate Misericordia’s historic centennial year. Each sponsorship level offers a variety of benefits. For information, go to https://www.misericordia.edu/gala24.The deadline for securing a sponsorship is Thursday, August 29, 2024.
Misericordia University Appoints New Board Trustees The Board of Trustees of Misericordia University (MU) approved two new members during its June meeting. Joining the board are Mary Griffin Cummings, Esq. (on the left) and Misericordia University alumnus Adam Grzech ’13 ‘17 (on the right). Board of Trustees Chair Deborah Smith-Mileski, Ed.D., said, “During our centennial year, we are privileged to welcome two caring, compassionate leaders to our board of trustees. As a former Misericordia alumni association president and successful business executive, Adam is a strong supporter of our mission through his volunteer activities and philanthropy. Similarly, Mary’s legal expertise, recognized professional success, and leadership in various community activities in Northeast Pennsylvania greatly enrich our board culture as well.” Cummings, who is executive vice president and general counsel at Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company, has established herself as a leader in the legal and banking sectors. Her career has included positions at area organizations such as FNCB Bank, Rosenn Jenkins & Greenwald, and Wyoming Valley Health Care System. She is a native of Towanda, PA who obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from The Pennsylvania State University and then pursued a Juris Doctor from the Dickinson School of Law in Carlisle, PA. She is a member of the Wilkes-Barre Law and Library Association and the Pennsylvania Bar Association. Cummings’ legal expertise is matched only by her dedication to community service. She volunteered at the Catherine McAuley House and serves as chair of the board of trustees of the Catherine McAuley Center. She also sits on the board of trustees and the nominating and governance committee of the McGlynn Learning Center. Cummings has been actively involved with the Sisters of Mercy and has received numerous accolades for her leadership and philanthropy, including the 2010 Mercy Woman of the Year and Women Making an Impact award from Dress For Success Lackawanna. Cummings has a deep connection with Misericordia University that extends through her family, as she proudly acknowledges her aunt, the late Mary Ellen Griffin Landy, who is a distinguished alumna of the university. Cummings also delivered the commencement address at Misericordia University’s spring graduate ceremony in 2024 where she received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. Grzech serves as director of operations for Keystone Automotive. He has been with the organization for eight years holding various roles in multiple locations throughout the U.S. He enjoys the constant change of the supply chain environment as well as mentoring others. Grzech, who resides in Novi, MI, with his wife Erin F. Grzech (Kain), a ’14 MU graduate, and their son John, is a native of Mountain Top and the son of John and Linda Grzech. Grzech is a graduate of Crestwood High School who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from MU in ‘13 and a Master of Business Administration in ‘17. As an undergraduate student, he competed on the MU men’s swim team and later served as the graduate assistant for the swim team while earning his MBA. A fan of auto racing, Grzech serves on the board of Waterford Hills Road Racing where he aims to grow the sport. He is a parishioner of Prince of Peace Catholic Church, and a member of the MU Alumni Board –where he served as board president and an ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees during that time. In his free time, Grzech competes in auto racing through the Sports Car Club of America spec Miata Class; skis every chance he gets; and enjoys playing golf with his wife.
Misericordia University Introduces New Programs in Entrepreneurship and Criminology Misericordia University recently introduced two new majors for full-time students that begin in fall 2024. The College of Arts and Sciences added a new Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminology, and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Entrepreneurship is now available within the College of Business. “Our criminology degree was created to educate students in a wide range of issues and principles impacting crime in modern society,” says John Woznicki, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “It will prepare students for a career in law enforcement and various other fields related to the study and reduction of crime. We use an interdisciplinary approach, apply broad-based thinking skills in the Mercy tradition, and draw on the talents of our faculty in government, law, and national security as well as new faculty we’ve added to support this major.” Building on recent success in launching new majors, such as supply chain management and business economics, the College of Business is introducing entrepreneurship as a major for full-time students, as well as a certificate program for adult learners. Jim Pierson, J.D., CPA, dean of the College of Business says, “Entrepreneurship is an excellent major for students who desire to start their own businesses or who wish to apply their knowledge in an existing company as someone who promotes innovative product development and marketing. Students will apply appropriate thinking skills and technology to entrepreneurial activities to solve business problems and formulate sound business decisions.” Pierson adds that students can opt for a specialization in social entrepreneurship that will help them analyze the importance of ethical and social responsibilities and to foster innovation in applying entrepreneurial skills to address social issues impacting our communities through social ventures and responsive business operations. Misericordia University is a highly personal community of over 2,000 students in Northeastern Pennsylvania. As a private Catholic institution founded by the Sisters of Mercy, Misericordia emphasizes collaborative, hands-on learning and supports co-curricular activities by engaged faculty and staff. The university challenges students to excel academically, professionally, and socially and has notably superior graduation and retention rates. The university’s core values of Mercy, Service, Justice, and Hospitality underpin the more than 50 academic programs. Misericordia offers 31 Division III NCAA intercollegiate athletic programs, which include the new additions of STUNT, men’s and women’s wrestling, and men’s ice hockey. Misericordia University is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2024 and is planning to welcome its second largest first-year class. For more information on any new or existing program, please visit www.misericordia.edu/academics.
Misericordia University Opening Doors to Endless Possibilities At Misericordia University, we believe in opening doors to endless possibilities. Whether it’s through our diverse academic programs, engaging campus life, or community partnerships, we are committed to providing opportunities that empower our students to achieve their fullest potential. Join us and discover how Misericordia can help you turn your aspirations into achievements. Learn more at https://www.misericordia.edu
Misericordia University to Host Open House Misericordia University invites you and your family to experience our campus, meet our students, visit with professors, learn more about athletics, and speak with admissions representatives. If you are looking for a college that delivers a powerful education and a personal experience, then look no further than Misericordia University. Learn more at https://www.misericordia.edu/admissions/admissions/open-house
