MEETING the
NEXT GREAT NEED A s a university founded by the Sisters of
Mercy , “ meeting the next great need ” has long been a hallmark of GMercyU ’ s approach to higher education .
The decision to launch the first-ever associate degree in nursing offered by a Catholic junior college more than 60 years ago was driven both by a need for more nurses in the region and a desire to prepare women for an excellent career . Since that time , GMercyU has launched numerous innovative nursing programs , including the first accelerated bachelor of science in nursing ( ABSN ) program in the region and a Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing ( DEMSN ) degree — both of which offer people with a bachelor ’ s degree in another field a fast track to a career in nursing .
When Director of Doctoral Studies Ray Bandlow , PhD , joined the University in 2013 , he envisioned a Doctorate in Education program that not only offered new doctoral degree candidates a way to earn their Doctorate in Education in as few as three years but also addressed an urgent need among students who had started but not completed their dissertation . This innovative approach , which includes dissertation support from day one and a clear pathway to completion for All But Dissertation ( ABD ) students , has a three-year graduation rate that ’ s nearly seven times higher than the national average . The award-winning online program also includes three in-person residencies , including a trip to an international education conference in Ireland .
A commitment to our Mercy mission drives so many decisions about our program offerings . When the opportunity to meet the higher education aspirations of students with intellectual disabilities came along , we quickly launched a new Integrated Studies program . This non-degree-seeking program opens the door to a rich college experience to students who
What you do shows who you are . Social justice is part of our learning . [ It ’ s ] part of who we are .
RAY BANDLOW , PhD PROFESSOR OF EDUCATION POLICY AND DIRECTOR
OF DOCTORAL STUDIES IN EDUCATION
1960s
1966
While the college was never an all-girls school , Sister Mary Gregory announces plans to formally become co-ed in the fall .
1968 1969
The college initiates fouryear programs in nursing and business .
The Gwynedd Journal publishes faculty and student nonfiction writing . It ceased publication in 1976 .
The first layman , Dr . Benedict Paparella , becomes Vice President for Academic Affairs .
10
TODAY - MEETING the NEXT GREAT NEED