Dr. Mary Romanello Named Dean of Trinity’s School of Nursing and Health Professions

Dr. Mary Romanello

Provost Virginia Broaddus announced the appointment of Dr. Mary Romanello as the founding dean of Trinity’s newly established School of Nursing and Health Professions.  Trinity launched its nursing program in 2007 and it has surpassed its enrollment goals.  Trinity formally created the School of Nursing and Health Professions this fall to support the rapid growth of the nursing program and to develop new degree programs in fields such as occupational therapy, speech language therapy, exercise physiology and other disciplines.  

Romanello brings to this position extensive experience as a clinician, faculty member and academic administrator.  She earned her bachelor of science in education from the University of Cincinnati and her master of science in physical therapy from Indiana Central University.  She completed her doctorate in educational administration at Miami University.

As a physical therapist, Romanello was on the clinical staff of Queen City Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation in Cincinnati.  In her role as associate director of the clinic she expanded the physical therapy clinical practice and worked with orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists and athletic trainers to serve the growing demand for outpatient orthopedic rehabilitation.

Romanello was on the faculty at the College of Mount St. Joseph in Cincinnati where she was director of the undergraduate athletic training education program and the graduate physical therapy education program.  She collaborated with faculty to revise the curricula for these programs, played a key role in program accreditation, and guided the transition of the physical therapy program from a master’s degree to a doctoral degree.  She was awarded the college’s Sr. Adele Clifford Excellence in Teaching Award for her outstanding contributions as a faculty member.

Most recently, Romanello was the executive associate to the dean of academic affairs at LaGuardia Community College in New York, where she managed $5 million in federal grants, engaged a leadership team in enhancing the assessment of student outcomes, and worked with faculty to align department objectives with the college’s strategic plan.

Romanello has authored a number of peer-reviewed articles for several publications, including Nurse Educator, Athletic Therapy Today and the Journal of Physical Therapy Education.  She has also made numerous presentations at professional conferences, including a presentation on “Communicating Across Differences:  Enhancing an Ethic of Care.”  She has volunteered for a number of professional and civic organizations, including the Cincinnati public schools, where she was the research project coordinator on the integration of physical and wellness activities to improve students’ math scores.

“I am excited about joining the Trinity team and the opportunity to positively influence others’ lives,” said Romanello.  In the School of Nursing and Health Professions we combine our valued liberal arts education with professional preparation to graduate nursing and allied health professionals who provide quality care to the people of greater Washington.  Living Trinity’s mission, our students and graduates will be ever mindful that health care access and education are cornerstones to contributing to a healthy, happy community.”

In announcing her appointment, Broaddus said, “With her breadth of experience, her demonstrated track record in enhancing academic programs, her commitment to interdisciplinary studies and her passion for educating learners committed to their own success, Dr. Romanello will provide vital leadership as we build new academic programs in the School of Nursing and Health Professions.”