with three new Deans administering the Schools of Education, Nursing and Allied Health, and Arts and Sciences in the 2013-14 academic year. The current Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, Michael Markowitz, PhD, who has been appointed to the position of Vice President for Academic Affairs, has observed that the landscape of higher education is changing rapidly: “Holy Family has not only embraced these changes but, with its current program of institutional refinement, is using this dynamic environment as a platform forward. The University is poised to become an educational leader in the region and, as the incoming Vice President of Academic Affairs, I am honored and excited to help chart that path.” Additionally, Arthur Goon stepped into the position of Associate Vice President for Enrollment Services in January. Within weeks, he established an Educational Partnership Agreement, to be piloted at Archbishop Ryan High School, that models a symbiotic relationship with high schools, benefitting both their students and their teachers. The partnership was officially signed on March 20, 2013, and plans to expand this opportunity to more Archdiocesan high schools were immediately implemented. “Holy Family University feels strongly about its commitment to support all area Catholic high schools and to assist them in continuing to provide challenging and quality educational opportunities to their students, teachers, and employees,” states Goon. “We want the Archbishop Ryan High School agreement to be the model by which we can develop the same kind of partnerships with other Philadelphia-area Catholic high schools.” The Educational Partnership Agreement was not the only other recent enrollment success. The Nursing program, well respected for its fantastic NCLEX outcomes, is also rapidly expanding their RN-to-BSN program. In less than two years, the program has nearly quadrupled its numbers. The new Autism Endorsement program in the School of Education has proved a popular option since its inception, and its courses are being converted to a hybrid online format, to begin this summer, for greater flexibility for students. A new Finance Certificate is also set to launch in the summer of 2013, available within the School of Business Administration for current students and for postbaccalaureate work for others. The Psychology program enrollment numbers continue to be strong and the School of Arts and Sciences has seen growth in Criminal Justice, Biology, and Communications.
One of the founding principles at Holy Family was that higher education should be and should remain affordable so the greatest number of students can attain a college degree. “The University is committed to value, meaning that it is always willing to take a tough self-evaluative look and make changes accordingly,” says Sister Francesca. This commitment means that in the face of quickly shifting paradigms in higher education Holy Family is also evolving to reflect this new reality. Presidential veteran Sister Francesca and her committed community have embraced this evolution and, at times, revolution. The University invites all students to explore our programs and to join us as Holy Family’s commitment to its mission, core values, and service to students will never change.
Sustainability and Potential
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rustee Matthew McFillin, Managing Director for KPMG Advisory, reflects, “The changes that have been implemented by the University are intended to provide the institution with a solid foundation from which to grow over the next 20 to 30 years. The financial and structural changes on campus will help ensure the growth and sustainability of Holy Family for the next generation of students in the Philadelphia region.”
magazine @ holyfamily.edu
A new undergraduate finance certificate will launch in Summer 2013.
SPRING 2013
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