Marywood University’s Center for Law, Justice & Policy Hosting Speaker Series “The Courts and Our Community” Marywood University’s Center for Law, Justice and Policy is hosting a Policy Perspectives speaker series, “The Courts and Our Community.” The lectures in the series are being offered during the fall semester on several Tuesdays at Noon at the Swartz Center on Marywood’s campus. These events are free and open to the public. The Honorable Karoline Mehalchick and the Honorable Jennifer Wilson, United States judges for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, are coordinating speakers for the series. Judges Mehalchick and Wilson are partnering with Patrick M. Seffrin, Ph.D., professor and director of the Center for Law, Justice, and Policy at Marywood, to present these events, which give participants the opportunity to engage with leading legal professionals and gain insight into key issues coming before the courts that affect the community. The series begins with a prospective student event slated for Wednesday, September 16, 10:30 AM until 1 PM, “The Courts and Our Community: Law & Justice Day,” exclusively for prospective students interested in the criminal justice, pre-law, and legal assistant fields. Register at https://admissions.marywood.edu/register/courts_sept16. The public lecture series provides the opportunity for anyone interested in contemporary issues coming before the courts to hear from legal professionals who specialize in these matters. The following events are scheduled: Tuesday, September 22: Introduction to Federal Courts and the Rule of Law – Presented by Judges Karoline Mehalchick and Jennifer Wilson, this session will provide an overview of the basic structure of the federal courts, what the rule of law means historically and today, and some of the major issues facing federal courts today. Tuesday, October 6: Modern Constitutional Issues – Presented by Magistrate Judge Martin Carlson (Ret.), Assistant United States Attorneys Carl Marchioli and Christian Haugsby, and former Assistant Federal Public Defender Fritz Ulrich, this session will include discussion of how the Constitution applies to everyday issues and recent interpretation and application of the Constitution by our courts. Thursday, October 20: Immigration Law – Presented by Professors Jill Family and Shoba Sivaprasad Wadhia, together with Attorney Tracey Hubbard, this session will focus on the current status of immigration laws in the United States and the interplay of the roles of the immigration proceedings and the federal courts. Tuesday, November 3: Election Law – Presented by Attorneys Donna Walsh and Nicole Boland, together with Marywood Professor Adam Shprintzen, this very timely session will discuss the modern constitutional issues pertinent to election and voting law in the United States. Tuesday, November 17: Advocacy & Judicial Decision Making – Presented by Judge Thomas Vanaskie (Ret.), Assistant United States Attorney Jenny Roberts, and Attorney Christopher Opiel, along with Judges Karoline Mehalchick and Jennifer Wilson, the final session will explore how cases move through the federal court system, the issues attorneys face in advocating for their clients, and how judges ultimately reach their decisions. For more information about the Center for Law, Justice, and Policy at Marywood University, visit: marywood.edu/academics/center-for-law-justice-policy, email legalcenter@marywood.edu, or connect via social media on Facebook (Marywood Center for Law, Justice and Policy) and X (@MU_LEGAL_CENTER).
Marywood University reports perfect pass rates across multiple health sciences programs Four of Marywood University’s clinical health sciences programs, including Physician Assistant, Nursing, Respiratory Therapy, and Counseling, were recently notified that their graduates achieved perfect pass rates on their respective national qualifying examinations. Marywood University’s Physician Assistant (PA) program earned an overall perfect pass rate on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE), the national certifying examination required for licensure in all fifty states. The program’s overall pass rate of 100 percent, which it has maintained for six consecutive years, includes a first‑time pass rate of 100 percent for its most recent graduating class. The national mean overall pass rate for 2025 was 88.4 percent overall and 91.5 percent for first-time test takers; national pass rates for 2026 are still being processed. The overall PANCE pass rate reflects all exam attempts, while the first‑time pass rate includes only candidates who sat for the exam once. Marywood’s nursing program was notified that its 2026 graduating class also achieved a perfect 100 percent pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). This result significantly exceeds the year‑to‑date national average of 88 percent for first‑time U.S. educated nursing candidates. The NCLEX-RN uses computerized adaptive testing to ensure valid and reliable measurement of nursing competence. This marks the fourth consecutive year in which Marywood nursing graduates have achieved a perfect pass rate for first-time test takers. Graduates of Marywood’s Respiratory Therapy (RT) program from the Class of 2026 attained a 100 percent first‑time High Cut Score pass rate on the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Therapist Multiple‑Choice Examination, far exceeding the national first-time passing percentage of 68 percent in 2025, highlighting the exceptional performance of Marywood’s graduates. Achieving the High Cut Score earns the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential and grants eligibility for the Clinical Simulation Examination to pursue the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential. Reaching this threshold on the first attempt reflects sustained effort in both classroom and clinical settings and demonstrates readiness to provide exceptional patient care as future respiratory therapists. Marywood’s most recent Counseling program graduates also achieved a 100 percent pass rate on the National Counselor Exam (NCE), fulfilling the examination requirement for professional counselor licensure and eligibility for the National Certified Counselor (NCC) credential. “The perfect pass rate on the PANCE for our physician assistants, as well as the 100 percent pass rate on NCLEX for our nurses, the High Cut Score on the NBRC for RT graduates, and NCE for counselors, demonstrates that Marywood University consistently produces top graduates in health sciences who score well above the national average in their respective fields of practice,” said Shelby Yeager, Ph.D., Academic Vice President and Dean of the College of Health Sciences. “We are tremendously proud of our graduates and continuously strive to maintain that standard of excellence through the academic and clinical rigor of our health sciences programs.” For additional information about these programs and Marywood’s College of Health Sciences, please visit marywood.edu/academics/affairs/colleges/health-sciences.
Marywood University receives $11,000 EITC donation Marywood University has received an $11,000 Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) donation, which will support the University’s Momentum Program. The contribution will help expand opportunities for high school students who participate in the dual enrollment program. It allows juniors and seniors to earn college credits while completing their high school graduation requirements. “Marywood University is grateful to Pagnotti Enterprises, Inc. for their generous support of the Momentum Program and their commitment to expanding access to educational opportunities for local students,” said Lisa A. Lori, J.D., President. “Partnerships like this help empower the next generation of learners by providing meaningful experiences that prepare them for future academic and professional success.” Momentum offers a variety of college-level courses during the summer, fall and spring semesters. Students enrolled in the program experience the same curriculum, instructional materials and academic expectations as Marywood University students.
Marywood University launching new School of Communication Marywood University has created a School of Communication, which will bring together its Theatre, Multimedia Communication, Film, Music Production, Digital Storytelling, Podcasting, Broadcasting, Journalism and other creative programs. The School will embrace the fact that creative professionals often work across multiple disciplines. The School of Communication will give students the chance to collaborate across several disciplines and prepare them for an ever-changing industry. “The creative professions are evolving more rapidly than at any point in history,” said Marywood President Lisa Lori. “Technology is changing not only how stories are told, but who tells them, where they’re shared and how audiences experience them. While those tools continue to evolve, one thing remains constant: the world will always need creative people who can think critically, communicate effectively and inspire others through art, performance and storytelling. This new School positions our students to do exactly that.” The School of Communication is part of the university’s strategic plan called Into the Future: Defining What’s Next.
Marywood University’s Accreditation Reaffirmed by Middle States Commission on Higher Education Marywood University has earned reaffirmation of its accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), a significant recognition of the University’s academic excellence, institutional effectiveness, student-centered mission, and commitment to continuous improvement. The Commission’s action, taken on June 25, 2026, follows an extensive three-year institutional self-study and a comprehensive campus evaluation conducted by a peer review team from March 22–25, 2026. Following its review, the visiting team determined that Marywood meets all seven Middle States Standards for Accreditation and recognized the University for numerous accomplishments that distinguish its educational quality and institutional leadership. Throughout its report, the evaluation team praised Marywood’s deep commitment to mission integration, transparent governance, strong financial stewardship, collaborative leadership, student-centered culture, and strategic planning. The team also recognized the University’s significant progress in institutional transformation, highlighting its commitment to innovation, accountability, and long-term sustainability while remaining firmly rooted in its Catholic identity and the mission of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Among the University’s recognized accomplishments were: Meaningful innovation in mission integration, leadership development, strategic planning, and institutional effectiveness. A deeply integrated, mission-driven culture that strengthens Marywood’s identity and competitive position in higher education. Strong, independent governance and institutional leadership focused on academic quality and fiscal stewardship. A collaborative and transparent approach to shared governance and strategic decision-making. Significant progress in financial planning, accountability, and long-term institutional sustainability. A student-centered learning environment grounded in care, engagement, and holistic development. Meaningful innovation in mission integration, leadership development, strategic planning, and institutional effectiveness. “We are incredibly proud of this reaffirmation,” said President Lisa A. Lori. “Middle States accreditation represents the highest level of institutional quality assurance, and this outcome reflects the extraordinary work of our faculty, staff, students, administrators, and Board of Trustees. The evaluation team recognized not only the strength of our academic programs, but also the remarkable transformation taking place across the University and our commitment to accountability, strategic planning, innovation, student success, and our enduring Catholic mission. This reaffirmation provides a strong foundation as we continue to build the next chapter of Marywood University’s history.” The accreditation review also acknowledged Marywood’s growing culture of evidence-based decision-making and continuous improvement, while recognizing major investments in student success, academic assessment, governance, financial stewardship, and strategic planning. Alongside reaffirming accreditation, MSCHE requested a supplemental information report by August 14, 2028, documenting progress on several continuous improvement initiatives, including a comprehensive, data-informed review of Marywood’s academic programs. The visiting team recommended that the University evaluate under-enrolled programs and align its academic portfolio with student demand, workforce needs, mission, and long-term institutional sustainability. This work is part of the standard expectations placed on colleges and universities nationwide, and Marywood’s ongoing program review efforts reflect the responsible, data-informed practices that accreditors and higher education leaders agree are essential for long-term institutional resilience. The University will continue building on these strengths as it advances its 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, Into the Future: Defining What’s Next, and pursues new opportunities for academic innovation, global engagement, and enrollment growth, with new innovative initiatives being announced this summer. The next Middle States Self-Study evaluation visit will occur during the 2033 to 2034 academic year.
U.S. News Ranks Scranton No. 5 in 2023 Guidebook U.S. News & World Report ranked Scranton No. 5 among the “Best Regional Universities in the North” in the 2023 edition of the “Best Colleges” guidebook, which became available online today. U.S. News has ranked Scranton among the top 10 universities in its category for 29 consecutive years. U.S. News also ranked Scranton No. 6 in its category for “Best Undergraduate Teaching,” a selection of the top colleges in the nation that express a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching. “Our students and their parents, our faculty and staff, and our alumni know well and value greatly the quality of the Jesuit education offered at Scranton. However, it is also very gratifying for Scranton to receive such consistently high-marks and recognition from more impartial sources like U.S. News and other national rankings,” said Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton. “We are delighted U.S. News once again ranked Scranton No. 5 in its latest guidebook.” Several of Scranton’s programs were also included in national rankings, as opposed to listings by category. U.S. News ranked Scranton among the nation’s “Best Undergraduate Programs in Accounting” at No. 44 in the U.S.; among the “Best Undergraduate Nursing Programs” at No. 135; and among “Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs” at No. 185 (where doctorate is not offered). Scranton’s was also listed among the 537 “Best Undergraduate Computer Science Programs” in the nation. Scranton also ranked No. 219 among America’s “Best Undergraduate Business Programs,” which listed just 516 schools that hold accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). For these program listings, U.S. News only ranked schools holding the highest recognized national accreditations in their fields. The rankings were based solely on dean and senior faculty recommendations from peer institutions. In addition, U.S. News ranked Scranton No. 54 as a “Best Value Regional University in the North,” which compares academic quality of programs to cost of attendance. This is the tenth consecutive year U.S. News has recognized Scranton as a “Best Value” school. Scranton was ranked No. 145 in its category in “Top Performers on Social Mobility,” which looks at the success of schools that enroll and graduate students who were awarded with Pell Grants. U.S. News uses data on 17 measures of academic quality to rank bachelor’s degree colleges in the America. For its rankings, U.S. News considers a range of quality indicators that include a peer assessment of academic excellence (20 percent); faculty resources (20 percent), which includes class size and regional cost-of-living adjustments to faculty pay and benefits; graduation rates (17.6 percent); freshman retention (4.4 percent); graduation performance rates (8 percent), which compares a school’s actual graduation rates with predicted graduation rates based on characteristics of the incoming class; financial resources (10 percent); a social mobility score (5 percent); graduate indebtedness (5 percent); and alumni giving (3 percent). U.S. News ranking analysis also includes student selectivity (7 percent), as measured by SAT or ACT scores and high school ranking of students in the top 25 percent of their class. U.S. News categorizes colleges for their rankings based on the official Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching classification of universities.
Applications Open for Leadership Collegiate Program APPLY Leadership Lackawanna, the premier community leadership and professional development affiliate of the Chamber, has opened applications for its Leadership Collegiate program. The program is open to students currently enrolled in a trade school, college, or university anywhere in the United States. The courses will be offered March 7 through April 18 and participants work on weekly course content at their own pace. There are six mandatory, one-hour Zoom meetings throughout the course. This 6-week virtual program, consisting of online modules, will provide current and aspiring leaders with an innovative and flexible online learning experience – complete with a variety of personal and professional development skills that are ideal for building a solid resume and honing leadership, interview, and career readiness skills. In addition, the opportunity to connect with students from around the state and build connections via a private LinkedIn group will be plentiful. This program is co-facilitated by Leadership Lackawanna executive director, Nicole Morristell and 68 Rising leadership consultant, Dr. Matthew Sowcik. Cost for Leadership Collegiate is $300 per person with payment plans and scholarships available. Applications close on February 25. Apply at www.LeadershipLackawanna.com.
University of Scranton Online Programs Among Best in Nation U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 “Best Online Graduate Programs” ranked The University of Scranton’s online master’s degree programs in business (excluding MBA) at No. 55 and its online MBA program at No. 98 in the nation. U.S. News also ranked Scranton at No. 65 in the country for “Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans.” This is the 11th consecutive year that U.S. News ranked the University’s online programs among the best in the nation. The methodology used by U.S. News to determine the ranking has changed several times throughout the years. For the 2022 Best Online Programs ranking, which published January 25, U.S. News reviewed statistical information submitted by schools. The ranking criteria differed by category. The criteria used by U.S. News to rank online business and MBA programs included student engagement (30 percent), which looked at graduation rates, class size, one-year retention rates, and best practices such as accreditation by AACSB International, among other factors. The ranking criteria also included peer reputation score (25 percent); faculty credentials and training (15 percent); admission selectivity (15 percent); and student services and technology (15 percent). In addition to offering distance education programs that incorporate coursework that is predominantly online, colleges and universities making the “Best Online Program for Veterans” list must have ranked in top half of 2022 Best Online Program rankings; be regionally accredited; be certified for the GI Bill and participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program; and enroll a “critical mass of veterans” as defined by U.S. News based on the size of the college. Scranton offers online MBA degrees in general business, accounting, business analytics, enterprise resource planning, finance, healthcare management, human resources, international business and operations management; master’s degrees in accountancy, business analytics, finance, health administration, health informatics and human resources and a dual MBA/MHA degree, in addition to graduate certificates. For technology, recruitment and marketing support, the University partners with Wiley for the online programs. In other rankings published by U.S. News, Scranton has been ranked among the top 10 “Best Regional Universities in the North” for 28 consecutive years. Scranton is ranked No. 5 in the 2022 edition of the guidebook. U.S. News also ranked Scranton No. 14 in its category for “Best Undergraduate Teaching.” U.S. News also ranked Scranton No. 14 in its category in its “Best Undergraduate Teaching” listing of the top colleges in the nation expressing “a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching,” among other rankings.
