Maria College Prospectus: Dean of Nursing

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DEAN OF NURSING TABLE OF CONTENTS

OVERVIEW & HISTORY OF MARIA COLLEGE 3

MARIA’S VISION FOR STUDENTS 5

THE PRESIDENT 5

ACADEMICS 6

FAST FACTS 7

STUDENT LIFE & SUPPORT SERVICES 8

STRATEGIC PLAN PRIORITIES 9

DEAN OF NURSING 11

APPLICATION AND NOMINATION PROCESS 13

SEARCH PROSPECTUS: Dean of Nursing 2 OVERVIEW & HISTORY OF MARIA COLLEGE

Maria is a private college, founded in 1958 on success, and she used her inheritance to purchase the principle of service to others. To this day, that a building in downtown Dublin where women and principle drives everything the institution does, children could find both refuge and education. Her but most importantly through the way students are ideas and dedication to the cause attracted other supported in the pursuit of their degree. That principle local women and soon evolved into a new order of also is the hallmark of the Maria graduate, the guiding Sisters – the Sisters of Mercy. force behind an enduring commitment to improving the lives of others. The Sisters of Mercy quickly grew and became international in scope. In 1863, four Sisters of Mercy Maria College is one of 17 colleges and universities took a boat up the Hudson River and settled in in the United States sponsored by the Conference Albany, New York. True to their focus on caring for Mercy Higher Education. The institution traces its and service to others, the order founded St. Peter’s heritage to 1831, when Catherine McAuley founded Hospital, the McAuley Residence, Circles of Mercy, the Sisters of Mercy in Dublin, Ireland. A woman of and Maria College. means who was raised in both Catholic and Protestant households, Catherine McAuley was an innovative, Maria College was founded as a sister formation modern-day thinker who felt that not enough was college, an institution providing higher education being done for women and children in need. McAuley for the community of sisters. Under the visionary believed education was a key to one’s ultimate leadership of Maria College’s first president, Sister

SEARCH PROSPECTUS: Dean of Nursing 3 OVERVIEW & HISTORY OF MARIA COLLEGE (CONT.)

Mary Borromeo Warren, the College’s focus on solely educating sisters changed, and the college received permission to open its doors to the public in 1965. MISSION Maria is a Catholic college sponsored by the In the early 1970s, the college opened a preschool Sisters of Mercy and animated by the Mercy that served Albany families for more than 40 years. charism. It provides career-relevant, opportunity Now closed, the campus school building has been education in the context of the Catholic Intellectual renamed, Mercy Hall, and was dedicated in 2017 to Tradition to all who can benefit from it. Maria is the Frank E. O’Brien, Jr. Student Support Center. The committed to outstanding and holistic student Maria Office of Student Affairs provides caring service support services, financial sustainability, and the to Maria students, so they feel welcome, supported, purposive use of evidence to drive institutional and enabled to meet their goals. Support services renewal and student success. Maria seeks to foster include tutoring, pastoral care, and career guidance. graduates who recognize and respect the dignity of every human person and who will transform their In 1975, Maria College purchased a cloistered convent knowledge and skill into caring and compassionate campus that abutted the administration building service to others. grounds. Known for its stunning architecture and inner courtyard, Marian Hall was awarded a designation by the Historic Albany Foundation in 1986. VALUES • Service - Caring and compassionate service Though over 60 years have passed since the to others, in the Mercy Tradition, is offered College’s founding, you can find many of the original to all, especially to those in need, both on architectural elements today. The Sisters of Mercy campus and in the wider community. constructed the original administration building in 1959 after a fundraising drive, and today, it remains • Scholarship - Scholarship is nurtured in the a vital part of our campus life. Recently renovated, relationships that arouse and nourish the it houses liberal arts faculty offices, classrooms and spiritual gift of justice and belief in integrity, science labs, the campus café, the Maria Campus not primarily for one’s own sake, but for the Store, library, business office and the office of the service of others. Dean of Students. • Justice - Maria College is committed to opportunity education; a belief in fair and Still located in a quiet, residential section of Albany, transparent practices; and a respect of the New York, Maria College serves approximately 850 rights and duties of each individual. We students and boasts a charming and intimate campus educate and advocate for social justice, that embraces an academic atmosphere both timeless focusing on the Critical Concerns of the and contemporary. Sisters of Mercy. Although chartered in 1958 as a junior college, • Diversity - Diversity aims to create and the original intent by Maria’s first president was for support an intercultural environment that institution to become a four-year college. This dream is strengthened by the development of has become a reality—Maria College is offering each individual, the recognition of unique four- and two-year degrees and a certificate program backgrounds, and respect for diverging providing new opportunities with flexible scheduling perspectives. and highly affordable education for residents of the • Hospitality - Maria College is marked by a Capital Region. In 2020, Maria College was granted by dedication to diversity and inclusion and a the NYS Board of Regents to launch the College’s first warm and generous welcome to all, as well as Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy. compassionate outreach to both campus and community members and groups.

SEARCH PROSPECTUS: Dean of Nursing 4 MARIA’S VISION FOR STUDENTS

Our aspiration is that a student who graduates from Maria will be able to find a job that pays a decent wage, will be free of excessive debt, will understand how their profession is part of the broader story of human intellectual and technical advancement, and will have been taught about respect for the dignity of every human person, the importance of service to others and the goodness of physical creation as the first revelation of God’s love.

THE PRESIDENT

academic center in Dungarvan, Ireland; construction of the $15 million Warde residence hall; the construction of the $10.5 million Center for Academic Engagement, which houses the nationally acclaimed Tom Ridge School of Intelligence Studies and Information Sciences at Mercyhurst. Over $45 million dollars was raised during his presidency.

Also, during his tenure, Mercyhurst developed five new graduate programs, including the university’s first doctoral program in Archaeology, the Master’s programs in Applied Behavior Analysis, Physician Assistant Studies, Data Science, and Secondary Education. He was also instrumental in starting and growing on-line education at Mercyhurst. To enhance the Mercy mission of the university, Gamble created the Center for Mercy and Catholic Studies with an In March 2016, the Maria College Board of Trustees undergraduate minor in Catholic Studies and led the appointed Thomas J. Gamble, Ph.D. as its president. restoration of Christ the King Chapel, Gamble also Gamble received his Ph.D. from the Maxwell secured for Mercyhurst the opportunity to co-host the School at Syracuse University and completed his archives of the internationally known religious leader, post-doctoral studies at Yale University. He comes Sr. Joan D. Chittister, OSB. to Maria after a decade of distinguished service In addition, the Gamble administration established as the president of Mercyhurst University in Erie, the urban education initiatives at the Booker T. Pennsylvania. Mercyhurst and Maria are part of the Washington Center and the Carpe Diem Academy, Conference for Mercy Higher Education; seventeen which deliver educational opportunities to colleges and universities in the United States underrepresented, largely minority citizens in Erie’s sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy. inner city. He also helped found the Multicultural His achievements at Mercyhurst include the Center at Mercyhurst and the Autism/Asperger transition of Mercyhurst College to Mercyhurst Initiative at Mercyhurst (AIM) to meet the unique University; establishment of an international needs of the growing population of college-bound students on the autism spectrum.

SEARCH PROSPECTUS: Dean of Nursing 5 ACADEMICS

NURSING Maria College is one of the Capital Region’s strongest, most respected nursing programs. We have been preparing students for 50 years—and have graduated more than 7,655 nurses with degrees in the field. In virtually every healthcare setting in the Capital Region, and in facilities across the nation, our graduates use the skills they learned at Maria to enhance healthcare systems and change lives. They are leading the way in our region by improving patient care and building healthier communities.

Nursing Programs: • RN-BS Degree in Nursing Completion Program • Nursing, AAS (RN) • Practical Nurse Certificate (LPN)

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY Maria’s degrees in the Occupational Therapy pathway give students a quality academic and clinical education in preparation for work with individuals of all abilities, ages, and from various cultural and socioeconomic groups. Based on the altruistic and compassionate values shared by the occupational therapy profession and the College’s founders, the Sisters of Mercy—both acknowledging the value of human differences and individuality.

Programs: • Occupational Therapy, MS • Health & Occupational Sciences, BS • Occupational Therapy Assistant, AAS

ARTS & SCIENCES When you study liberal arts, you learn to think critically and creatively, to communicate, solve problems, and take action. At Maria, you also learn how to put those skills to work to serve others. That’s an ideal foundation for success in any field—and in life.

Programs: • Healthcare Management, BS • Psychology, BS • Liberal Arts, BA (Communication Studies) • Liberal Arts, BA (Government Studies) • Liberal Arts, AA • General Studies, AS

SEARCH PROSPECTUS: Dean of Nursing 6 FAST FACTS

850 100% 17 AVERAGE NUMBER 2019 LPN NCLEX-PN® NUMBER OF COLLEGES OF STUDENTS ATTENDING FIRST-TIME PASS RATE IN THE SISTERS OF MERCY MARIA COLLEGE NATIONAL NETWORK OF COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES** 94.95% 82% 2020 ADN NCLEX-RN® PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS FIRST-TIME PASS RATE 38,265 WORKING IN THEIR FIELD STUDENTS ATTENDING OR PURSUING A HIGHER COLLEGE IN THE SISTERS DEGREE 6 MONTHS 11,228 OF MERCY NETWORK. AFTER GRADUATION* ALUMNI WHO HAVE GRADUATED FROM MARIA COLLEGE. 481,003 12:1 BOOKS (ONSITE AND ONLINE) STUDENT/ AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS FACULTY RATIO 7,655 THROUGH THE MARIA ALUMNI WHO HAVE COLLEGE LIBRARY. GRADUATED FROM THE MARIA COLLEGE NURSING PROGRAMS.

*Based on Graduate Placement Survey FY20 results in December 2020.

**The Colleges & Universities of the Conference for Mercy Higher Education include Carlow University, College of Saint Mary, Georgian Court University, Gwynedd Mercy University, Maria College, Mercy College of Health & Sciences, Mercy College of Ohio, Mercyhurst University, Misericordia University, Mount Aloysius College, Mount Mercy University, St. Joseph’s College of Maine, St. Xavier University, Salve Regina University, Trocaire College, University of Detroit Mercy, and University of Saint Joseph.

SEARCH PROSPECTUS: Dean of Nursing 7 STUDENT LIFE & SUPPORT SERVICES

At times, the college experience can be daunting. with the first House of Mercy in Dublin, Ireland. As Dr. That’s especially true if, like so many Maria students, Gamble is fond of saying, “As it was on Baggot Street you’re also balancing work and family life. For these in Dublin, so it is today at 700 New Scotland Avenue students, strong support services can make an in Albany.” enormous difference, setting the stage for success at Maria and beyond. “The personal attention is just what I need to help me move forward with someday being a nurse…Everyone To better serve these students — and to deliver on a is so supportive in helping me put one foot in front of mission that includes a commitment to “outstanding the other.” — Rebecca Petrucci-Little and holistic student support services” — in 2017 Maria opened the Frank E. O’Brien, Jr. Student Support Center. Located in Mercy Hall, the state- SERVICES INCLUDE: of-the-art facility is devoted to meeting students’ • Opportunity Programs (The Arthur O. Eve Higher academic, personal, and spiritual needs. It combines Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), HOPE, comprehensive, centralized services with a warm, and The Renaissance Scholars Program) welcoming environment that helps students gain • Free Professional Tutoring Services confidence while developing life and study skills. • Peer Tutoring Program The center was named in memory of the late Frank E. • Accessibility Services O’Brien, Jr. Those who knew the longtime chairperson of the Maria Board of Trustees say the center • STAR Initiative continues his work at the College by providing the • Health & Wellness types of services he supported during his lifetime. • Counseling Services The center also reflects Maria’s enduring connection to the Religious Sisters of Mercy and their founder, • Pastoral Care Catherine McAuley. Service to others has been the • Maria Cares Fund hallmark of every Mercy institution, starting in 1827 • Food Pantry

SEARCH PROSPECTUS: Dean of Nursing 8 STRATEGIC PLAN PRIORITIES

COMPASS POINT #1: MISSION & COMPASS POINT #2: MISSION-RELEVANT INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT ACADEMIC PROGRAMS Maria College’s mission has undergone a revitalization The addition of new programs over the next five years in the past four years, focusing more intently on the will be crucial for Maria College to provide opportunities college’s heritage, values, and identity as a Mercy, for students and working professionals in our area. 2020 Catholic institution of higher education. This renewal of saw the amendment of the College’s charter and the mission integration more firmly integrates the college’s addition of our first Master’s degree program, an MS in core identity and infuses it in all aspects of the college’s Occupational Therapy. Led by the strategic compass, operations. The mission office is planning to launch Maria is examining program additions in our niche of the Maria Institute in 2021 to provide a comprehensive healthcare fields for intentional vertical growth that will mission program to the Maria College community and serve students and the Capital District with high-quality beyond. The Mission Office will be focused on the programs and education, and exploring hybrid and animation of the Mercy mission as guided by the new online program delivery methods. By adding these CMHE Covenant model of sponsorship. A focus on programs Maria further increases our students’ ability to partnerships, both new and expanded, and external contribute to the local economy and earn qualifications relations is an important element of the advancement necessary to pursue in-demand careers. Ongoing work over the next seven years. This will include a re- integration of the College’s mission into the curriculum branding initiative to advance the community perception will be an important facet of this initiative. of Maria, a major gifts effort to focus on the resources needed for the next phase of Maria’s growth, and Strategic projects: internal governance and culture. 1. Create an online/hybrid Baccalaureate completion program in nursing. (2020-2022) Strategic projects: 2. Create and market Applied Health & Wellness 1. Creation of the Maria Institute to organize and Improvement minors or concentrations within HOS. facilitate mission formation, development, and (2020-2021) integration. (2020-2022) 3. Re-model and promote Psychology program 2. Re-branding initiative based on the Strategic to enhance wellness focus and certificates/ Compass and to integrate the recent Charter concentrations e.g. substance abuse treatment change (2020-2022) services. (2020-2021) Major gifts plan (2021-2023) 3. 4. Establish an accelerated Baccalaureate program in nursing. (2021-2023) 5. Develop Maria College Center of Excellence for Simulation in Nursing Education. (2021-2023) 6. Assess the feasibility of a combined technology- rich and humanistic Associate degree in Administrative Support using the current Paralegal registered program. (2021-2023) 7. Develop a Master’s Degree in Nursing Education informed by the use of simulation. (2021-2023)

SEARCH PROSPECTUS: Dean of Nursing 9 STRATEGIC PLAN PRIORITIES (CONT.)

COMPASS POINT #3: STUDENT SUCCESS & COMPASS POINT #4: SUSTAINABILITY EXPERIENCE Maria’s focus on sustainability will ensure a solid Launched in 2016, the Frank E. O’Brien, Jr. Student foundation for the future of the college and financial Support Center brought together under one roof the sustainability to move confidently into the future. support services that are available to Maria students. Defining the Maria value proposition, strengthening This center houses tutoring (professional, peer, and financial processes and reporting, and using data to embedded), counseling, accessibility services, inform decisions will contribute to this solid foundation. opportunity programs, ESL assistance, STAR (the A strategic recruitment plan will sharpen the focus for Students At Risk initiative), the food pantry, and the future student recruitment and expanded partnership Troy Savings Bank Writing Center. Academic support offerings. The campus is in the middle of a multi-year services are heavily utilized by adult students returning master plan to update facilities, beautify the campus to school after time away from the classroom, those with grounds, increase safety and access, and provide for learning differences, and students who are adjusting a better student experience. Maria’s campus plan is to the collegiate environment. Continued investment an investment in the college that will affect the student and growth in integrated and holistic support services experience for decades to come. Along with this an is vital for Maria to deliver on our mission of opportunity investment in technological and facilities infrastructure education for people of all backgrounds. A focus on will support opportunity education in teaching and retention and enhancing the student experience will be a learning spaces throughout the campus. key area for this compass point. Strategic projects: Strategic projects: 1. Design and implement a Strategic Recruitment 1. Assess the feasibility of an integrated advising Plan. (2020-2021) model. (2020-2022) 2. Integrate Pine Tree Lane (if acquired) into the 2. Develop a campus-wide retention initiative and Campus Plan (see also mission integration in plan. (2020-2022) campus plan). Pay attention to the resolution of the long-term property issues for the College. (2020- 3. Develop specific support services and student 2023) experience program for graduate students. (2020- 2022) 3. Assure personnel, technological and facility infrastructure to accommodate education and 4. Develop and open the Troy Savings Bank Writing support services as informed by the mission to Center. (2020-2021) provide a personalized Maria experience for students. (2020-2023)

SEARCH PROSPECTUS: Dean of Nursing 10 DEAN OF NURSING

Maria provides student-focused opportunity education College’s mission and institutional objectives. Under and seeks an experienced and innovative educator the Dean of Nursing the Maria College nursing to serve as Dean of Nursing to lead the college’s programs will be an integral part of vigorous academic nursing programs. The college offers a Practical institution. Nursing Certificate program, an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing, and an RN-BS Degree in Nursing Maria College’s mission of academic excellence Completion program and plans to add additional and the heritage of the founding Sisters of Mercy nursing programs in the near future. support an ongoing commitment to preparing skilled, caring professionals to meet the needs of our time. The Dean of Nursing will report to the Chief With consistently high NCLEX pass rates and current Academic Officer and provide strategic planning, accreditations, the continued strength and growth of innovative leadership and sound fiscal and personnel the Maria’s Nursing programs will be a focus for this management for the department in support of the position.

SEARCH PROSPECTUS: Dean of Nursing 11 DEAN OF NURSING (CONT.)

A SUCCESSFUL DEAN OF NURSING • Present a collaborative, flexible and transparent CANDIDATE WILL: leadership style that supports team building and promotes the accountability required in effective Implement Maria College’s strategic plans which • professional programs calls for Nursing Program enrollment growth through partnerships and new programs, while • Work closely with the Associate Deans of Nursing continuing to improve student learning and career for the pre-licensure program, and the Associate experiences Dean of Nursing for the RN to BSN Completion Program, the PNC Certificate Program, Clinical Have a demonstrated ability to develop and • Placements and the Simulation Labs, to assure execute plans for the college that also advances program integration, consistency of scheduling, the college’s strategic goals and objectives revision and updating of the catalog information. • Propose a compelling vision for academic • Other appropriate duties as assigned. excellence, efficiency and community involvement for the faculty and staff of Maria College’s Nursing Program QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE: Guide faculty at all levels to ensure delivery of • • Doctoral degree in nursing (Ph.D. or DNP) exemplary Nursing instruction preferably from a CCNE or ACEN institution. Bring successful experience with teaching and • • Demonstrated excellence in teaching and clinical learning methods in Nursing education, along with nursing practice. an understanding of alternate modes of delivery (classroom-based, online, accelerated, blended, • Previous administrative experience as department low residency) chair, program director or associate dean of nursing. • Implement and promote academic programs, evaluate program effectiveness, and assess ideas • Strategic planning and budgetary responsibility. and opportunities for development and growth • Familiarity and experience with MSCHE, other • Promote community partnership and collaboration regional accreditors, state boards of nursing, within the local and regional health care ACEN and NYSED accreditation. community • Experience in program development, evaluation, • Identify and help plan for new program and assessment of student learning. opportunities and work with the appropriate • Commitment to career-relevant opportunity individuals to assure timely and effective education in the context of the Catholic Intellectual execution of new program development. Tradition. • A collegial spirit, and commitment to nurse education that improves patient care and builds healthier communities.

SEARCH PROSPECTUS: Dean of Nursing 12 APPLICATION AND NOMINATION PROCESS

The university is being assisted by Academic Confidential discussions about this opportunity Search. Applications should consist of a substantive may be arranged by contacting senior consultant cover letter addressing the qualifications and Jerry Israel ([email protected]). The expectations listed above, curriculum vitae, and a position is open until filled, but only applications list of five professional references with full contact received by September 24, 2021, can be assured full information and a note indicating the nature of your consideration. working relationship with each. References will not be contacted without the explicit permission of the candidate. Applications, nominations, and expressions of interest can be submitted electronically, and in confidence, to:[email protected] .

SEARCH PROSPECTUS: Dean of Nursing 13 ABOUT ACADEMIC SEARCH

Academic Search is assisting Maria College in this work. For more than four decades, Academic Search has offered executive search services to higher education institutions, associations, and related organizations. Academic Search was founded by higher education leaders on the principle that we provide the most value to partner institutions by combining best practices with our deep knowledge and experience. Our mission today is to enhance institutional capacity by providing outstanding executive recruitment services, executive coaching, and transition support, in partnership with our parent organization, the American Academic Leadership Institute. For more information, visit www.academicsearch.org.

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