Maria College President Joins Board of Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities
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MARIA COLLEGE PRESIDENT JOINS BOARD OF ASSOCIATION OF CATHOLIC COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
Albany, N.Y. (February 18, 2025) — Maria College is proud to announce that President Lynn Ortale, Ph.D. has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU).
The AACU, founded in 1899, is a Washington, D.C.-based association representing more than 230 member institutions. It serves as the collective voice of U.S. Catholic higher education, strengthening and promoting the Catholic identity and mission of its members. Through its programs and services, the ACCU empowers all associated with Catholic higher education to contribute to the greater good of the world and the Church.
“I am honored to join the ACCU Board of Directors and represent Maria College and bring the voice of the Sisters of Mercy to the table,” said Dr. Ortale, who also serves on the board of the Council of Independent Colleges of New York. “As a professional shaped by my own Catholic education experience, I am committed to serving ACCU to help navigate the challenging higher education landscape, while maximizing the impact of Catholic higher education through the transformative power of mission-driven education.”
Dr. Ortale, who became president of Maria College in July 2022, brings more than 35 years of experience in higher education, including extensive work with the Jesuits, Sisters of St. Joseph, and Sisters of Mercy institutions, to the board. Her leadership at Maria College, a college founded by the Sisters of Mercy, focuses on mission-driven, student-centered approaches that support underserved and diverse student populations.
Throughout her career, Dr. Ortale has dedicated herself to enriching student life and learning communities. Her expertise in mission-focused leadership and student development — combined with her commitment to fostering Catholic identity — has made her a nationally recognized speaker and a valued leader in Catholic higher education.
Dr. Ortale holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Saint Michael’s College, a master’s degree from the University of Vermont, and a Ph.D. in higher education administration from the University of Pennsylvania.
About Maria College
Founded in 1958, Maria College is one of 17 colleges and universities in the United States sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. The private, co-educational, Catholic college in Albany serves approximately 800 students in a variety of bachelor’s, associate’s and master’s degree, and certificate programs, including liberal arts, healthcare management, nursing, psychology, occupational therapy, public health, and health and occupational sciences. Learn more at MariaCollege.edu.