St. Joseph’s College is now St. Joseph’s University, New York

April 13, 2022

Brooklyn and Patchogue, N.Y. – April 13, 2022 – St. Joseph’s College, New York President Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D., announced today the New York State Board of Regents has approved its petition to be elevated to university status, and would change its name to St. Joseph’s University, New York, effective immediately. 

“This is a proud day for every member of the St. Joseph’s community,” said Dr. Boomgaarden. “Since our founding in 1916 by the Sisters of St. Joseph, our mission has been to provide a strong academic and value-oriented education that supports provision for career preparation and enhancement for a diverse population of students that is now close to 5,000. These very same qualities are what will carry us forward under our new banner as a university serving three unique campuses: Long Island, Brooklyn and Online.” 

Throughout its 106-year history, St. Joseph’s has consistently evolved to meet the needs and aspirations of its students and surrounding communities. Starting with 12 female students in 1916, St. Joseph’s is now a world-class institution that graduates more than 1,500 students annually, offering degrees in more than 60 majors, special course offerings and certificates, affiliated and pre-professional programs. St. Joseph’s also offers one of the lowest tuition rates among private institutions in the region, providing higher education opportunities to those who might otherwise not be able to obtain them.

“Since its founding over a century ago, St. Joseph's has always strived to be a center of learning and transformation. We started from humble beginnings, but the success of its more than 44,000 alumni, of which I am very proud to be counted among, speaks for itself,” said St. Joseph’s Chairman of the Board Christopher R. Carroll ’88. “The change of the College’s designation to University status by the New York State Board of Regents marks both a recognition of who we already are, as well as the start of our next chapter as St. Joseph's University, New York.” 

“I’m excited for what this ascent to university status will mean for our students,” said Shantey Hill-Hanna, vice president for student life at St. Joseph’s. “This acknowledgement signifies to all our campus groups the remarkable resilience, continued progress and excellence the College has made even in the face of a pandemic. A university distinction will certainly increase the appeal of our student degrees to potential employers and open up new opportunities both professionally and personally long after they leave St. Joseph’s.” 

“The change from St. Joseph's College to St. Joseph's University reflects the growth and the diversity of majors and programs we offer. It is meaningful for faculty as it will improve our competitiveness when applying for state and federal funding and outside grants for research and teaching,” said James Blakeley, Ph.D., Professor and Chair of the History Department and Chair of the Faculty Interest Council at St. Joseph’s. “The university designation not only better represents the top caliber of our current faculty, but it will ensure that we continue to be competitive in recruiting new faculty and staff who are vital to the success of the academic programs we offer and ultimately the success of our students.” 

“The College has always been open to growth and change — adapting to the times and challenges of the times — and I see this as part of that evolutionary process that has been happening since 1916,” said S. Elizabeth A. Hill ’64, CSJ, J.D., former president of St. Joseph’s College. “The designation of university connotes a deeper level of academic depth, excellence, challenge and a desire to reach for even greater excellence. This desire to be more, to find new ways to serve others has guided the missions of both the Sisters and this University for generations; under Dr. Boomgaarden’s leadership, St. Joseph’s will continue to grow and reach new heights that benefit the students, faculty, alumni and our entire community.” 
For more information or to view our frequently asked questions, visit our University information page.

ABOUT ST. JOSEPH'S UNIVERSITY
St. Joseph’s University has been dedicated to providing a diverse population of students in the New York metropolitan area with an affordable education rooted in the liberal arts tradition since 1916. Independent and coeducational, the University provides a strong academic and value-oriented education at the undergraduate and graduate levels, aiming to prepare each student for a life characterized by integrity, intellectual and spiritual values, social responsibility and service. Through its Brooklyn, Long Island and online campuses, the University offers degrees in 60 majors, special course offerings and certificates, affiliated and pre-professional programs.