Holy Names University - About HNU

Sister Rosemaire T. Nassif, SSND, PhD, has been president of Holy Names University since 1999 and during her tenure the university has experienced a return to stable financial footing, record enrollment increases, reaffirmation for accreditation by WASC for 10 years and completion of a successful $5.36 million science facilities renovation.

Prior to taking the HNU position, President Nassif was President of the Fund for Educational Excellence in Baltimore, MD, from 1997-1999. From 1992 to 1996 she was president of the College of Notre Dame of Maryland in Baltimore. She had been Executive Vice President of the College of Notre Dame from 1990-1992.

Her other professional experiences include: Co-Vicar for Religious, Archdiocese of St. Louis, MO, 1987-1990; Provincial Councilor, School Sisters of Notre Dame, St. Louis, 1983-1987; Associate Professor, St. Louis College of Pharmacy, 1977-1983; Associate Professor, Notre Dame College, St. Louis, 1970-1977; and Visiting Assistant Professor, University of Missouri, 1971-1973.

Significant HNU accomplishments since President Nassif’s arrival at HNU include:

Increased enrollment by 38% from Fall 1998 to Fall 2006.
Strengthened financial viability to a positive operating position following several years of deficits.
The University was awarded the longest accreditation re-affirmation possible - 10 years, by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges in 2005.
Introduction of a new MA in Clinical Teaching nursing degree, thanks to a $1.5 million grant from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation.
Procured an $850,000 grant from the James Irvine Foundation to establish a Diversity Support Network that increases the success of students from diverse populations.
Completed a $5,360,000 Science Facilities project (Fall 2006) that gives HNU state-of-the-art classrooms in Brennan Hall.
Wired the campus with fiber optic cable providing Internet access in every room including wireless areas around campus.
Built a state-of-the-art videoconference studio with a grant from the California Endowment for delivery of the BS in Nursing to hospital site throughout California in partnership with Catholic Healthcare West.
Expanded and enhanced the athletic department which has produced numerous California Pacific Conference championship teams and national competition teams in men’s and women’s basketball and men’s soccer.

President Nassif is extremely active in professional and educational organizations including: Council of Presidents (representing California Pacific Conference), National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA); Commission on Higher Education, National Conference of Catholic Bishops; American Council on Education, Commission on Women in Higher Education; American Council on Education, Council of Fellows Executive Committee.

She was honored as one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women and has been an American Council on Education Fellow, Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, PA; and an Outstanding Educator of America.

President Nassif received her PhD in Physical Chemistry from Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, and her BS in Chemistry from Notre Dame College in St. Louis (Summa Cum Laude). She also has completed the Fellows in Change Management, Graduate Program, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD.

She was an athlete in school, participating in basketball, volleyball, softball, racquetball, and today is an avid golfer and regularly attends HNU athletic events.

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