Yanoso Named Inaugural Director of IWL

Dr. Nicole Yanoso '04, former academic dean and longtime SEU leader returns to advance a transformative vision for women’s leadership, mentorship, and professional development.

Saint Elizabeth University (SEU) has appointed alumna Dr. Nicole Yanoso as the inaugural director of the Sister Francis Raftery Institute for Women’s Leadership, marking an important milestone in the University's commitment to preparing and positioning the next generation of women leaders.

Founded in 1899 as New Jersey's first four-year college for women, Saint Elizabeth University has a longstanding tradition of empowering women to lead lives of purpose, faith, and impact. Named in honor of Sister Francis Raftery, the University's sixth president, the Institute will build upon that legacy through a comprehensive approach to leadership development, professional preparation, mentorship, and personal growth.

Dr. Yanoso returns to Saint Elizabeth University with an extensive background in higher education, academic leadership, and the corporate sector. A proud alumna, she dedicated 17 years to the University, serving as a professor of history, department chair, director of the Honors Program, and dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Throughout her tenure, she championed academic excellence, student development, and the transformative power of education.

Her academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts from the College of Saint Elizabeth, a Master of Arts from East Stroudsburg University, and a Ph.D. from Drew University. She is also the author of The Irish and the American Presidency (2016), reflecting her foundation in historical research, scholarship, and critical analysis.

In 2024, Dr. Yanoso transitioned to the corporate sector, joining MedPro Systems as an Aggregate Spend Account Manager. There, she applied her expertise in relationship management, regulatory compliance, and organizational problem-solving within the life sciences industry. Her experience across higher education and corporate America offers a valuable perspective on connecting academic achievement with meaningful professional opportunities.

As inaugural director, Dr. Yanoso will help advance the vision and programming of the Sister Francis Raftery Institute for Women’s Leadership. The Institute's mission is to prepare and position women for leadership roles through networking and professional opportunities while amplifying the voices of future generations of women leaders.

Grounded in the University's Catholic identity and Catholic social teaching, the Institute will emphasize impactful, high-quality programming that equips women with the tools to lead and the confidence to use them. It will intentionally welcome and incorporate perspectives from women of all backgrounds, fostering an environment where leadership, empowerment, and service go hand in hand.

The Institute's vision includes several signature initiatives:

• Women’s Leadership Speaker Series: Bringing national thought leaders, accomplished alumnae, and influential changemakers to campus for conversations that inspire and prepare future leaders.

• Mentorship and Professional Networks: Connecting students with alumnae, faculty, and community leaders who can provide guidance, professional connections, and opportunities for advancement.

• Scholarships for Women Leaders: Expanding financial support for students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to service.

• Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Providing opportunities for students to develop entrepreneurial thinking, practical business skills, and innovative approaches to leadership.

• Academic and Career Development: Strengthening pathways to graduate education and professional opportunities, particularly in high-demand fields.

The University's broader vision includes establishing a dedicated physical home for the Institute that will bring together complementary programs and resources, including the Center for Catholic Women's History, student leadership organizations such as WinSTEM, and other initiatives that advance women's academic, professional, and personal development.

To support this vision, Saint Elizabeth University is undertaking a two-year, multi-million-dollar fundraising campaign to establish and sustain the Institute and its signature programs. A Women's Leadership Council, comprised of accomplished alumnae and women leaders, will help guide the initiative, advise on programming, strengthen community partnerships, and engage philanthropic support.

Dr. Yanoso's appointment represents an important first step in bringing this vision to life. Her deep institutional knowledge, academic experience, and understanding of the professional landscape will help position the Institute as a distinctive resource for women at Saint Elizabeth University and beyond.

The Sister Francis Raftery Institute for Women’s Leadership reflects SEU's enduring belief that educating women is not simply about preparing them for the opportunities that exist today, but empowering them to shape the opportunities of tomorrow.

About Saint Elizabeth University

Founded in 1899 by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, Saint Elizabeth University is a Catholic, independent institution of higher education in Morristown, New Jersey. Originally established as New Jersey's first four-year college for women, the University became coeducational in 2016 while maintaining its historic commitment to women's education, leadership, and empowerment. Guided by its Catholic identity and commitment to social justice, SEU prepares students to lead lives of meaningful service and professional achievement.