HAPPENINGS on the HILL Three interim posts become permanent
Joanne McGurk: Vice President for Academic Af airs With more than 30 years of experience at Mercyhurst as a classroom instructor, faculty leader, and admniistrator, Dr. Joanne McGurk has assumed the role of vice president for academic af f airs. As a member of the English department, she played a key role in developing and implementing writing and research curricula. In 2008, she received the prestigious Teaching Excellence Award. In addition, she has amassed a record of dedicated service to the university as a two-term Faculty Senate president and seven-year director of the Center for Teaching Excellence. In 2019, she took on additional responsibilities as co-chair of the Middle States Self-Study Steering Committee. “Joanne’s many experiences as a faculty member and university leader these past 30 years give her a rare insight into what we have done and what we need to do,” said President Kathleen A. Getz, Ph.D. “I am convinced that her leadership will be of the utmost benef i t to our students, faculty, and sta f f as we make optimum use of our strengths and deal ef f ectively with our challenges.” A native of Philadelphia, McGurk received her bachelor’s degree from Chestnut Hill College, master’s degree from Western Illinois University, and a doctorate in rhetoric and linguistics from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Dionne Veitch: Vice President for Enrollment Management Dionne Veitch is the university’s new vice president for enrollment management. A 1992 Mercyhurst graduate, Veitch began her Mercyhurst career in admissions before moving to Seattle, where she enjoyed a successful 16-year career in management and business development with a multinational computer technology f i rm. She later joined the famliy business, assumnig management and marketing roles for the Veitch Law Firm. Upon her return to Mercyhurst in 2013, she took on ever-increasing levels of responsibility and leadership roles within the enrollment division. In her new role, she is responsible for providing vision, leadership, and ef f ective administration of the enrollment management division and its functions. In addition, she serves as a member of the president’s Cabinet and sets enrollment priorities for all academic programs while collaborating with senior administrators in strategic planning across the institution. “Dionne brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role of enrollment vice president and has a deep understanding of our university, our region, and the ever-changing higher education landscape,” said President Kathleen A. Getz, Ph.D. “I have every conf i dence that she will strengthen a collaborative, university-wide ef f ort to enroll, retain, and support our students.”
Michael Heller: Vice President for Finance and Administration Michael Heller, CPA, has been named vice president for f in ance and administration. He previously served the university as senior laude from Mercyhurst in 1979 with a bachelor’s degree in acounting and business. He served as president o f Mercyhurst Student Government and earned the Carpe Diem Award. Upon graduation, Heller joined Price Waterhouse in Buf f alo, later returning to Erie to rise as partner at Root, Spitznas, and Smiley. He director for f i nance and budget. A Franklin native, Heller graduated cum also served as chief f i nancial of fi cer for Scott Enterprises and for LECOM Health’s hospitals in Corry and Millcreek. During his career, he has served on boards of various nonprof i t o rganizations and has enjoyed coaching youth basketball and soccer. He also has been a member of the Mercyhurst President’s Associates and the Alumni Board, serving as the latter’s president. In 1995, he received the university’s Distinguished Alumni Award. “As a Mercyhurst alumnus of dedicated service, Mike brings to his newest position a f i erce loyalty to the university as well as a keen understandinogf the f i nancial challenges facing higher education today,” said President Kathleen A. Getz, Ph.D. “I am conf i dent that both the Division of Finance & Administration a n d t h e g r e a t e r u n i v e r s i t yw i l l t h r i v eu n d e r his leadership.”
25
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online