Dominican University New York on Monday, June 3, named Dr. Manuel Martínez, Ph.D., as the new president of the University, effective July 15, 2024.  Martínez replaces Sister Mary Eileen O’Brien, O.P., Ph.D., who retired as of January 1, 2024, after serving two separate terms as president, for a total of 35 years.

After Sister Mary Eileen announced her retirement, the Dominican University Board of Trustees launched a nationwide search for a new president, with the help of the professional search firm AGB Search, and tapped Sister Mary Hughes, O.P., Ed.D., to serve as interim president, while a permanent replacement was chosen. 

“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.”

Martínez will be the first layperson to lead the University in its 72-year history. Since Dominican University New York was founded in 1952 as Dominican College, there have been five presidents who were all members of the Sisters of St. Dominic of Blauvelt. 

Martínez is the Vice President of Academic Affairs and the Dean of Faculty at Mercy College of Ohio, a Catholic College which specializes in healthcare professions. Prior to arriving at Mercy College of Ohio in 2022, he spent 18 years at Ohio Dominican University in Columbus, Ohio, working his way up from an Instructor of Spanish to Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Dean of Undergraduate Studies, and finally Vice President for Academic Affairs. He has extensive experience working on programs aimed at increasing enrollment. Martínez also understands the importance of balancing the benefits of a liberal arts education with workforce development.

For more information, visit the university’s website.