Orangeburg, N.Y. (5/18/22)  Dominican College has been elevated to the status of a university, becoming the first university in Rockland County. Dominican College President Sr. Mary Eileen O'Brien, O.P., Ph.D., announced today that New York State Board of Regents has granted Dominican College university status and approved the name change to Dominican University New York. 

"This is an important milestone in our history as we prepare to celebrate our 70^th anniversary," said Sr. Mary Eileen.  "Changing our name to Dominican University New York brings formal recognition to the caliber of our academic programs.  With our new name comes additional prestige and more opportunities for the school and our students."

Dominican offers a range of undergraduate programs and graduate programs in nursing, business, occupational therapy, education, and organizational leadership and communication.  In addition, it has the distinction of being the only institution in Rockland County to offer doctoral degrees – including Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).  Dominican has a strong academic reputation for its liberal arts, business, education, and health-related programs. Recently, Dominican added programs in finance, information technology, health sciences, and marketing. Dominican also caters to adult learners through programs in the evenings, on weekends, or online.

The news of the university status follows earlier announcements that Dominican had secured two federal grants, one from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the other from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).  Dominican was one of only 10 higher education institutions nationwide and the only one in New York State to receive the HHS grant and will use the funding to launch a new Public Health Informatics and Technology (PHIT) program this fall. 

"The news about our university status coupled with the infusion of the federal funds will certainly raise the profile of our school," said Sr. Mary Eileen.  "Dominican University New York has a bright future that will serve more students from around the region and beyond."

Dominican was granted university status by the New York State Board of Regents based on the fact that Dominican offers graduate programs in at least three of the following discipline areas: agriculture, biological sciences, business, education, engineering, fine arts, health professions, humanities, physical sciences, and social sciences.

Founded in 1952 by the Dominican Sisters of Blauvelt, the College began as a two-year college for religious women to become educators.  Over the years, the campus expanded to accommodate a growing enrollment and to welcome resident students. A number of new buildings were constructed including an athletics facility, residence halls, a dining hall, and a new academic building for health and science education. The most recent construction was the expansion of the Hennessy Center with a new gymnasium and fitness center. A new turf field is anticipated for 2023.  Dominican has a total of 17 NCAA Division II sports teams, as well as a competitive rowing club and a new esports team. 

Dominican has been named both a College of Distinction and a Catholic College of Distinction.  On the U.S. News & World Report 2022 Best Colleges List, Dominican was ranked #21 out of Regional Universities North for social mobility.  It is also designated a Hispanic Serving Institution and was recognized as Military Friendly.

Dominican University New York moves forward with a renewed spirit and dedication to its mission to promote educational excellence, leadership, and service in an environment characterized by respect for the individual and concern for the community and its needs.