ans & VPAA
within both their professional career and personal life. With these
empowering women at the helm, the future of Gwynedd Mercy
University is brighter than ever. Read on to learn more about them
and see why GMercyU is proud to have them leading our institution
forward.
MARY VAN BRUNT, P h D
Vice President for Academic Affairs
Mary Van Brunt, PhD, may have only been at GMercyU for a few months, but she’s
already dived into her new role headfirst. Coming to GMercyU from Cabrini University,
Mary served as the founding Dean of the School of Business, Arts, and Media with
an extensive background as both a professor and an administrator. Prior to her time
at Cabrini, Mary spent more than a decade in the business realm as an accountant,
banking officer, and assistant vice president.
Since arriving at GMercyU, Mary has been constantly busy, but in a good way. The
experience has been more enjoyable than stressful, and Mary credits that to the
welcoming and supportive environment that is ever-present at GMercyU. Mary is
grateful for the opportunity to be a part of our Mercy Mission, work with a President
whose goals and philosophy match hers, and continue to get to know the amazing
people she has met so far.
Mary earned her bachelor’s in economics from Ursinus College, her MBA
in accounting from St. Joseph’s University and her PhD in economics with a
concentration in public and international finance from Lehigh University.
FAVORITE ACCOMPLISHMENT: FUN FACTS:
In and of itself, earning a doctoral
degree is an extraordinary
achievement. But for Mary, it means
so much more. She always knew
she wanted to be a professor, and
she was determined to accomplish
her goal, no matter what. Mary
was working full-time during the
program, as well as raising her two
young children (at 18 months and
6 weeks old), and gave birth to her
third child halfway through the
program. She finished her degree
and moved into her new career in
higher education - achieving her
lifelong dream of being a professor. Cats or Dogs?
Dogs
Favorite Season?
Summer
Would you rather be GMercyU
President for a day
or M.E.R.V. for a day?
M.E.R.V.
is
“ so Everyone
kind and
welcoming,
immediately
I felt right at
home.
”
Android or iPhone?
iPhone
If you could have lunch with anyone,
no restrictions, who would it be?
Jesus
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
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