Contact: Sean McFarland, MA
Public Relations & Communications Manager
Email: sdmcfarland@carlow.edu
Phone: 412-260-6807
Dr. Rhonda Maneval, Vice Dean and Professor for the College of Health Professions and the Lienhard School of Nursing at Pace University, Begins July 1
PITTSBURGH – Carlow University Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Sibdas Ghosh, announced on Tuesday, April 19, the appointment of Rhonda E. Maneval, DEd, as dean of the College of Health and Wellness. She will begin her new role on July 1 and replaces Lynn George, PhD, who has served as dean of the College of Health and Wellness since July 2015.
“We have selected an outstanding new dean who will play a vital role in leading Carlow’s College of Health and Wellness through higher education’s rapidly changing post-COVID-19 period and brings dynamic innovation to the college,” stated Provost Ghosh.
Dr. Rhonda Maneval holds a Doctorate in Education from Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Science in Nursing from Villanova University. She has a track record of progressive academic leadership with expertise in college operations, accreditation, new program development, evidence-based retention and success strategies, and strategic planning. She currently serves as Vice Dean and Professor for the College of Health Professions and the Lienhard School of Nursing at Pace University in New York.
Her leadership background in diverse higher education sectors spans three decades and includes Michigan State University, Temple University, and Harrisburg Area Community College. Her work in educational leadership focuses on decreasing health disparities through educational advancement and diversification of the health professions workforce. Her recent grant applications resulted in over $4 million in external programmatic funding, including the prestigious HRSA Nursing Workforce Diversity grant and over $875,000 in student scholarships, primarily supporting first-generation and diverse students. She has received many prestigious awards for both teaching and leadership and has led the establishment of regional and national faculty development programs.
“I am delighted that Dr. Maneval will be joining the Carlow Community,” said President Kathy Humphrey, PhD. “She brings a wealth of expertise in the Health Sciences and has demonstrated her ability to develop programs that meet the needs of the 21st-century workforce. Her record of expanding enrollment is exemplary and her commitment to collaboration, both internal and external, will further advance our College of Health and Wellness.”
Dr. Maneval is a champion of collaboration for interprofessional/interdisciplinary education of health care providers and practitioners, demonstrated through her research; legislative activity addressing health profession education issues; expanding the use of simulation pedagogy; and establishment of health profession programs that meet local workforce needs. She has an impressive track record in building and expanding clinical partnerships, leading to innovative academic-practice partnerships, the creation of career pathways and solutions to healthcare workforce issues, and mutually beneficial partnerships with community organizations.
“The rich history of Carlow University is part of what drew me to this opportunity,” said Dr. Maneval. “Founded by the Sisters of Mercy to make the lives of socially and economically disadvantaged immigrant women better through education is a vision that resonates with me. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice in health professions education has been a focus of my career. I am inspired by being able to impact the social determinants of health in our communities and the social determinants of education as a faculty member, administrator, and leader.”
This national search, in partnership with Lisa J. Marks, Founder & CEO of LeadExec, engaged a broad set of stakeholders and a search committee comprised of institution-wide faculty, staff, and students.
The College of Health and Wellness comprises 23 undergraduate, graduate, and dual degree programs that include nursing, nurse practitioner, occupational therapy, physical therapy, respiratory therapy, speech-language pathology, physician assistant, public health, healthcare management, and healthcare data analytics.
“The Mercy Mission of respect, integrity, justice, compassion and service are foundational values critical for all students but are particularly important for those preparing to be health care professionals,” said the new dean. “I am honored to have the opportunity to be the new Dean of the College of Health and Wellness and to continue to advance the University tradition of educating the next generation of health care providers who exemplify these core values.”
About Carlow University
Located in Oakland, the heart of Pittsburgh’s “Eds, Meds, and Tech” district, Carlow University is a private, co-educational, Catholic university founded in 1929 by the Sisters of Mercy. Offering an intimate, personable environment and faculty focused on teaching excellence and experiential learning, Carlow is known for its strong commitment to social justice, ethical forward-thinking leadership and meaningful services that make a positive impact in the community and beyond.
Approximately 44% of Carlow’s student population is PELL-eligible, 26% are students of color, and Carlow ranks 3rd in Pennsylvania on social mobility. This is consistent with Carlow’s tradition of helping those, who otherwise may not have had opportunity, earn a certificate or degree, thereby changing the course of their life and transforming the lives of generations to follow.
Carlow University is unique in serving babies to age three through its early childhood education center, children PreK to K-8 at its Campus Lab School, and students from high school to age 66 through its campus network and online educational offerings. From undergraduate degree programs to more than 50 graduate, doctoral and certificate programs, Carlow students graduate ready to meet today’s workforce demands for specialized knowledge and skills. Approximately, 96% of Carlow undergraduate alumni are enrolled in an advanced degree program or employed within six months of graduation.