Felician University President Steps Down
Rutherford and Lodi, NJ – June 16, 2020 – Dr. Anne M. Prisco is stepping down as President of Felician University. While Dr. Prisco remains committed to supporting the academic success and economic opportunity of all Felician students, she is returning to the West Coast to meet the needs of her family. Dr. Sylvia McGeary, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Mission Integration, has been appointed by the Board of Trustees to serve as Acting President starting today.
Dr. Prisco stated, “I am honored to have served as Felician’s President for the past 8 years. I am very proud of what we have accomplished in our pursuit of combining academic excellence with our values of respect, compassion, justice and peace. I now need to turn to the care of my family on the West Coast and explore how I will continue to pursue my lifelong commitment to access and opportunity for all and education and economic development.”
Chris Swenson, Chairman of the Felician University Board of Trustees, commented, “The Board is very appreciative of Dr. McGeary for stepping up. We are grateful to Dr. Prisco for leading the University during a time of great transition and development. Her leadership has helped make certain that Felician delivers a modern education based on timeless values. The University is positioned well for the future and we look forward to continuing our record of providing outstanding programs and graduating students well-prepared to meet the needs of a changing work force, especially during these unprecedented times.”
Like other institutions of higher education, Felician University reacted to the global pandemic caused by COVID-19 by offering remote learning through the Spring and Summer semesters. Felician anticipates welcoming students onto both its Rutherford and Lodi campuses in the Fall. New growth in online programs such as in Nursing and Computer Science, along with a strong New Jersey base, have helped keep enrollment strong.
Dr. Sylvia McGeary also credits Felician’s Franciscan values for its popularity. “Felician University is grounded in universal Franciscan values. They complement an academically competitive education. Our mission of graduating students with competence, character and compassion gives them a competitive edge when seeking employment. Our students are the skilled changemakers the world needs now more than ever.”
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About Felician University
Felician University engages over 2,300 undergraduate, graduate, and adult students through programs in Arts & Sciences, Business, Nursing, and Education. Universal Franciscan values of social justice, compassion, and respect for human dignity serve as an inclusive foundation for transforming the lives of tomorrow’s leaders. Felician University’s education is ranked 3rd best return on investment for private colleges in New Jersey 2018 by the PayScale.com College ROI Report and is ranked #1 safest college campus in the state by niche.com.
