The Times Herald (Norristown, PA)
President
values and mission, she said. She previously served at Mount Aloysius College and Carlow University, both of which are Mercy-sponsored institutions. She said she believes in the mission and tradition of the Sisters of Mercy and Catholic education.
Prior to working in higher education, D’Emilio worked as an attorney in the Pittsburgh area for more than a decade. After that, D’Emilio decided to make a change and look for a teaching position. She secured a position with Mount Aloysius, where she worked as a faculty member and dean for 15 years. She then went on to Carlow, where she served as provost.
The transition from law to education was one that came naturally to D’Emilio, whose undergraduate degree is in elementary education and masters degree is in higher education and student affairs.
“I have always been a teacher at heart,” D’Emilio said.
D’Emilio started her new role last August, relocating to the area from Pittsburgh with her husband.
“This is a beautiful area . ... It’s been a very welcoming experience,” D’Emilio said.
D’Emilio’s inauguration ceremony began with an ecumenical service and featured a special performance by her daughter, Nia D’Emilio, who sang the Lord’s prayer.
The ceremony also featured speakers including state Rep. Kate Harper, R-61,, former university Presidents Kathleen Owens and Linda Bevilacqua and representatives from the Sisters of Mercy.
The week of the inauguration, the university hosted several events to mark the occasion. Events included the 11th annual Autism Conference, the GMercyU Day of Service, which entailed packing meals for the hungry, and engaging with student presenters at the student Research Conference.
“For me, it’s very exciting to lead an institution that values social justice and respecting the dignity of all people,” D’Emilio said. “This is a message that is much needed in our world and our country right now.”
D’Emilio emphasized that to be part of a university that delivers a great education to students and also infuses students with those values is a great opportunity to have.
“I’ve spent a lot of my time listening,” D’Emilio said of her time at the university so far, adding that she has participated in more than 15 listening circles, which included a mix of faculty, staff, alumni and board members.
“I would ask people and they would tell me their thoughts about where we were and where we’re going,” she said.
D’Emilio said they are currently constructing strategic plans for the university’s future.
“We’re at the front end of the planning process,” D’Emilio said. “We’re going to be focusing on delivering excellence in everything that we do.”
Goals and initiatives will focus on areas such as student experience, excellence in academics and innovation.
“We have really excellent outcomes,” D’Emilio said. “I want our profile to be raised and people to really know who we are and what we deliver here.”