Mercy Is Heading into a New Academic Year with New Name and New President

In what is a landmark moment in Mercy College’s nearly 75-year existence, this week Mercy announced a name change to Mercy University. The change in status, which was approved by the New York State Board of Regents, reflects the breadth of its programs across a wide variety of disciplines at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

This week’s announcement follows the summer arrival of Dr. Susan L. Parish, Ph.D., M.S.W, who is Mercy’s 13th President, and the addition of a School of Nursing alongside five other schools of Liberal Arts, Business, Education, Health and Natural Sciences, and Social and Behavioral Sciences.

“Becoming a university is the natural evolution for our institution, and firmly rooted in Mercy’s founding principles,” said Parish. “We celebrate the many ways we have successfully educated thousands of students, who are often the first in their families to attend college. Mercy University looks forward to the next 75 years of growth and enrichment, deepening our community ties, and finding new ways to push higher education forward to advance student success.”

Joe Gantz, Chairman of the Mercy University Board of Trustees, said, “Today is monumental in Mercy’s history. Our unwavering commitment to the students we serve has brought Mercy to this moment and the college is poised to provide exceptional educational opportunities for generations to come.”

Mercy University reflects the institution’s continued growth. Since its founding by the Sisters of Mercy in 1950, Mercy has evolved and expanded to meet the needs of its students and surrounding communities.

“I’m thrilled to witness Mercy College’s transformation into Mercy University,” said U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer. “This new chapter showcases Mercy’s dedication to offering transformative education, marking a new era of education and empowerment. As a fierce advocate for federal funding for higher education, I’m proud to support Mercy’s mission to break barriers and create opportunities through education. Congratulations to President Susan Parish and the incredible Mercy community. Together, we’ll keep fighting for resources to fuel student success, whether it’s in Dobbs Ferry, Manhattan, or the Bronx.”