Mary Eileen O’Brien

Sister Mary Eileen O’Brien, O.P., Ph.D., is President of Dominican College and a member of the Dominican Sisters of Blauvelt. She has dedicated herself to education and congregational excellence and leadership for close to 50 years. This heartfelt commitment has served to inspire and guide the many people, particularly students, whose lives she has touched through her service.

Sr. Mary Eileen was elected to serve as College President in 1979 and remained in that position until she was elected to a six-year term as President of the Sisters of St. Dominic (1987-1993). She was chosen to serve again as President of the College in 1997. Since 1929, the College’s enrollment has grown by almost two-thirds to about 2,000 students. The growth has come about through her leadership in introducing new undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as two doctoral programs. The College currently offers over 35 bachelors, masters and doctoral programs. An academic facility for the health and science programs, three residence halls, a student center and gymnasium were also added.

She began her educational career in the Bronx, where she was raised. She taught mathematics at St. Benedict’s School and at St. Pius High School before serving as the principal of St. Luke’s School in the South Bronx. In 1977, she was called upon to assist her mentor and former teacher, Sr. Natalie Casey, the President of Dominican College.

Sr. Mary Eileen earned a doctorate degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Fordham University and holds master’s degrees from both Teachers College of Columbia University and Manhattan College. She received a bachelor of arts in English from Dominican College.

In addition to her dedication to Dominican College and the Dominican Sisters, Sr. Mary Eileen is active in her local, regional, and national community. Some of her recent community involvements include: Bon Secours Charity Health System; Caldwell College, Board of Trustees; Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference, President’s Council; Rockland’s 40 Under 40 Program, Co-Chair; Department of Social Services, Citizen’s Advisory Council; Dominican Higher Education Council, Chair; Helen Hayes Hospital, Board of Visitors; Lower Hudson Valley Catholic Colleges and Universities Consortium, President’s Council; Rockland County Business Association, Board Member.

Her commitment to education and community service and leadership resulted in numerous honors, including: Irish Education 100 – Irish Voice, Journal News/Junior Achievement: Business Person of the Year, Rockland Employment Network: Lifetime Achievement Award, Helen Hayes MacArthur Award, Annual Award – Rockland Economic Development Corporation (REDC), Woman of the Year – Rockland Business and Professional Women’s Club, honoree by the Knights of Columbus, Women Pioneers in Education (CEJJES) Award, Dominican College Athletic Hall of Fame and most recently the Our Lady of the Rosary Leadership Award.

Sr. Mary Eileen has also participated actively in the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, the Council of Independent Colleges, the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities, and the National Association of Independence Colleges and Universities. She currently serves as Chair of the Dominican Higher Education Council.