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July 17, 2024Maria College Extends President Ortale’s Contract Through 2030
Maria College’s Board of Trustees has unanimously approved a contract extension for President Lynn Ortale, Ph.D., securing her leadership through 2030. Dr. Ortale, who became the College’s sixth president in July 2022, began her extended term on July 1.
Outgoing Board Chair Mary Jo LaPosta noted that Dr. Ortale’s leadership has significantly raised the college’s visibility throughout the Capital Region and beyond. “The college used to be the best-kept secret on New Scotland Avenue,” LaPosta said. “This is no longer true.” She praised Dr. Ortale’s dedication to the legacy of the Sisters of Mercy, her boundless energy, and innovative spirit, which have fostered mutually beneficial relationships for Maria College and the community.
Under Dr. Ortale’s leadership, Maria College has:
Secured a landmark philanthropic donation of $3.5 million from Richard Siek to name Maria College’s nursing school in honor of his late wife, Andrea Lewis Seik, R.N.- Opened the Center for Academic Innovation, a pioneering 1,000-square-foot facility for extended reality technologies, including virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality. This initiative, facilitated by Congressman Paul Tonko’s federal funding, enhances nursing education.
- Cultivated strategic partnerships to support student success and community engagement in line with the Sisters of Mercy’s mission.
- Expanded academic offerings with new undergraduate and graduate programs, including a recently approved bachelor’s degree in public health by the New York State Education Department, addressing regional healthcare needs.
- Introduced “Chrys,” the Monarch butterfly mascot, symbolizing transformation and hope. Chrys embodies compassion, kindness, and serves as a guardian for students, clinical patients, and the community.
Incoming Board Chair Andrew Kaufman called Dr. Ortale’s hiring “the most impactful decision” of his tenure. “Under her leadership we’ve significantly improved enrollment, advancement, facilities, and fiscal management, while nurturing a culture of compassion and kindness on campus and in the community,” he noted. “Her sincerity and warmth have elevated Maria’s reputation, making it a more sought-after institution. We are thrilled she has committed to leading us forward.”
“President Ortale excels at building relationships within the college and with local civic and educational leaders, fostering collaborative solutions to higher education challenges,” added Maria College Board Chair Emerita and Sister of Mercy Sister Gail Waring. “The Sisters of Mercy and Board of Trustees are grateful to have Lynn guiding Maria College through 2030, ensuring a brighter future for our mission of service and much-needed healthcare graduates in our community.”
“We are doing more at Maria College than many realize,” said Dr. Ortale. “I am committed to expanding educational access for our students because I believe that education not only changes the lives of our students but also uplifts their families. This is an important connection to the mission of the Sisters of Mercy. Maria College has momentum, and our future is bright.”
Dr. Ortale brings more than 30 years of experience in higher education administration within the Catholic Intellectual Tradition to Maria College. Previously, she served for 17 years as vice president for student life at Chestnut Hill College in Pennsylvania, which is affiliated with the Sisters of St. Joseph. She also spent 15 years as an assistant vice president at Saint Joseph’s University, a Philadelphia-based Jesuit Catholic university. Additionally, she serves as adjunct faculty in DeSales University’s graduate program in higher education administration.
Alongside her extensive administrative and teaching background, Dr. Ortale is a nationally recognized professional speaker, having presented more than 60 times to diverse national associations. Her topics include student suicide prevention, leadership development, neurodiversity, and learning differences. Additionally, she is an accreditation evaluator for the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, a role that brought her to Maria College’s campus in 2019.
A graduate of Saint Michael’s College with a bachelor’s degree in English, Dr. Ortale holds a master’s degree from the University of Vermont and a Ph.D. in higher education administration from the University of Pennsylvania.
