Orangeburg, NY – Dominican University New York has announced Dr. Manuel Martínez, Ph.D., as its new president, effective July 15, 2024. Dr. Martínez will be the first layperson to lead the institution in its 72-year history, following the retirement of Sr. Mary Eileen O’Brien, O.P., Ph.D., who served as president for a total of 35 years.
The Dominican University Board of Trustees conducted a nationwide search for a new president, with the assistance of the professional search firm AGB Search, and appointed Sr. Mary Hughes, O.P., Ed.D., as interim president during the transition.
“We are grateful that talented candidates from all over the country applied for the position and were interested in guiding Dominican University into the future,” said Steven Sabatini, Chair, Dominican University New York Board of Trustees. “Dr. Martínez rose to the top of the candidates because of his impressive academic and administrative experience in higher education and his knowledge of and commitment to a Dominican education.”
Dr. Martínez brings extensive experience in higher education to his new role. He is currently the Vice President of Academic Affairs and the Dean of Faculty at Mercy College of Ohio, a Catholic institution specializing in healthcare professions. Prior to his tenure at Mercy College of Ohio, he spent 18 years at Ohio Dominican University in Columbus, Ohio, where he held various academic and administrative positions.
“I am so honored and grateful to be chosen as the next president of Dominican University New York,” said Martínez. “When I spent time on campus recently, it was very clear to me that Dominican University is a very special, welcoming community that is centered on student outcomes. I have always believed that institutions of higher education must be student-centered to be successful. For me, that means educating the whole person and providing both the professional, technical preparation and the soft skills that go hand in hand.”
Dr. Martínez holds several advanced degrees, including a Ph.D. in Spanish and Latin American Literature from the University of Cincinnati, a Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from Ohio Dominican University, a Master of Arts in Spanish and Latin American Literature from the University of Cincinnati, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Marketing from the University of Miami.
Interim President Sr. Hughes expressed her confidence in Dr. Martínez’s leadership: “I am delighted that Dr. Martínez has accepted the position of president and I feel confident leaving Dominican University in his hands. Dr. Martínez is a terrific fit for this special community, and I believe the University will flourish under his leadership. He has extensive academic, enrollment, and financial experience, and is a genuine, thoughtful individual, as demonstrated during his meetings on campus. Since Dominican University is a Hispanic Serving Institution, it is also wonderful that Dr. Martínez understands the culture of many of our students and can communicate with their families in their native language.”
Sr. Hughes will continue to serve as interim president until July 15, ensuring a seamless transition. Steven Sabatini praised Sr. Hughes for her dedication: “The entire Dominican University community is so appreciative of Sr. Hughes for providing stability to the University during this time of transition. Sr. Hughes began as interim president in the middle of the school year, working long hours and making critical decisions. She quickly endeared herself to everyone on campus, including students, faculty, staff, administrators, and board members. We are forever indebted to her and consider her part of the Dominican University family.”
The search for the new president was comprehensive, with many candidates being interviewed by the Presidential Search and Screening Committee and three finalists visiting the campus for a full day of meetings and Q&A sessions with the Dominican University community.