Shelley Johnson new health and professions dean at Manhattan College

Shelley Johnson promises to bring the highest quality education to the School of Health and Professions as the new dean of health and professions at Manhattan College. She started that job July 15.

“Dr. Johnson is a highly accomplished scholar and educator with a deep commitment to excellence in teaching and learning,” said President Milo Riverso. “This is a pivotal role and we’re confident that Dr. Johnson will be a transformative leader that expands the professional and academic horizons of our students in the health care field.”

The School of Health and Professions offers students the chance to be at the center of high-demand areas of study. The school also prepares students to enter their fields as qualified health professionals.

These students are entering a competitive field, and as of present, it is the most transformative time for healthcare, Johnson said.

She comes from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, where she was dean of nursing. She was there for three years and served as a professor. While in Florida, she oversaw all nursing undergraduate and graduate programs.

“I’m thrilled to join Manhattan College and lead the new School of Health Professions as it begins its journey into the future,” Johnson said. “I am also committed to creating a diverse and inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive and meet the challenges that lie ahead.”

Her role as a health care educator goes back to 2012, when she was named the director and chair of nursing and health science at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania.

Johnson’s interests include more than nursing and general education. She also runs presentations and workshops on a healthy work environment and leadership development for academic and business groups.

Graduates from Holy Cross

Justin Hudson, a greater Riverdale resident, graduated from College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, with great distinction, academic excellence and with a bachelors of arts degree. As a magna cum laude student, Hudson held a grade-point-average between 3.7 and 3.8.

At the 177th commencement, on Friday, May 26 at the DCU Center in Worcester Hudson was among 762 new alumni were bestowed their degree and greeted by Vincent Rougeau, president of Holy Cross as they crossed the stage.

The commencement speaker was U.S. Sen. Peter Welch of Vermont, a 1969 alumnus. He also received an honorary degree. The senator assured the graduates they are able to face great odds to accomplish things in the future.

“You are strong and ready. Your shared experience at Holy Cross has made you so,” Welch said.

The Holy Cross commitment to intellectual and open inquiry and using our talents for good I something this institution has preserved and passed on to one generation after another since 1843. This experience and commitment will make you the builders of tomorrow.”

Holy Cross also awarded an honorary degree to Rosanne Haggerty, who is international recognized social entrepreneur and leader in developing innovating strategies to end homelessness. She is the president and chief executive of Community Solutions, a non-profit dedicated to end homelessness.

Quinnipiac U graduate

Now looking for work with a passion for computers is Aleena Waldron of greater Riverdale. She majored in computer information systems, and was awarded her masters degree at Quinnipiac University from the School of Business in May.

Waldron was a member of the sorority Alpha Chi Omega during her time at Quinnipiac.

As Waldron began working as a Starbucks barista part-time, she transitioned as a marketing intern at Greg Norman Collection where she managed inventory and assisted the vice president of marketing. She also completed an internship with American Weekend Entertainment as a webmaster and analytic.

Quinnipiac is a private institution that enrolls 9,000 students in 110-degree programs through its nine schools.