Spotlight On: Mary Finger, President, Seton Hill University

January 2026 — In an interview with Invest:, Mary Finger, president of Seton Hill University, spotlighted the expansion of health sciences and graduate programs as key milestones. Priorities ahead include strengthening affordability, advancing career readiness, and evolving academic offerings to meet future workforce demands. “Career readiness at Seton Hill isn’t just about landing a first job, it’s about building a mindset of engagement, service, and lifelong learning,” she said.

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What have been some of Seton Hill University’s most significant milestones and achievements over the past year?

We’ve had several important milestones, especially in the expansion of our academic programs to better serve the community locally, regionally, nationally and in some cases, internationally.

Historically, we’ve had strong graduate programs, including our Physician Assistant program and MBA offerings. We’ve expanded our MBA specializations to include areas like fraud examination, project management, and healthcare management. We’ve also launched new education programs, creating master’s degrees that allow students who did not major in education as undergraduates to return, earn a graduate degree, and become certified teachers for early childhood and high school education.

A key part of our mission is constantly assessing the environment and scaling to meet emerging needs. Two years ago, we started a Doctor of Physical Therapy program, and we’re actively developing a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy, which is set to begin enrolling students in Fall 2026. Seton Hill has built a strong health sciences portfolio, spanning from nursing to exercise science, dietetics, healthcare management, and beyond. Seton Hill recently launched the new College of Health Professions and Natural Sciences to reflect our position as a leader in healthcare education.

Our approach combines a professional education with a liberal arts foundation. Employers consistently tell us that our graduates can not only perform their jobs, but also communicate effectively, solve problems, reason critically, and present themselves well. That combination of professional preparation and deep analytical ability defines what we offer and where we are continuing to grow.

What makes the Greater Pittsburgh region, and Greensburg, an ideal location for Seton Hill University?

Seton Hill has always been deeply connected to Westmoreland County and the broader Pittsburgh region. Two of our major facilities are located off the main campus, directly in the heart of downtown Greensburg, and that was a very intentional decision. We wanted students moving between the city and the hill to be part of a real, vibrant community.

The university is a key driver of local economic growth. The last economic impact study, released in fall 2025, estimated that Seton Hill contributed roughly $194 million annually to the local economy. That gives a sense of our role, as an employer, as an investor in infrastructure, and as a source of economic activity through our students, faculty, and visitors.

We are working alongside other community leaders on initiatives that look at housing, entrepreneurial activity, clinics, and new ways we can continue to strengthen Greensburg. When we develop programs, we engage directly with community partners, hospital systems, and others to ensure we’re meeting real regional needs. Community involvement is part of everything we do. Even though we’re physically located on a hill, we’re very much embedded in the city.

How do you view the state of higher education, and what strategies are critical for universities to continue proving the value of a four-year degree?

Despite the rhetoric questioning the value of a college degree, enrollment trends show that more Americans are earning degrees than ever before. In the last decade, the percentage of adults with a college education has risen from the mid-30s to over 40%.

We live in an intellectual and service-driven economy. Fields like cybersecurity, health sciences, computer science, and forensic science demand the skills a four-year education provides. There are fewer and fewer career paths that offer long-term stability without postsecondary education. Today’s workforce requires critical thinking, technical skills, and the ability to adapt.

From a financial standpoint, the data is clear: college graduates earn significantly more over their lifetimes, on average, about $1 million more than those without a degree. They also experience better health outcomes and are more civically engaged.

That said, the role of higher education is evolving. Institutions must meet students where they are, whether they’re 17 and leaving home for the first time or 35 and returning to complete a degree. We have a strong adult student population and have transitioned many programs online to offer flexibility without sacrificing rigor.

Affordability is also central to proving value. Seton Hill works hard to provide scholarships based on both merit and financial need. We also focus on early college credit through high school partnerships, which allows students to enter with credits and potentially graduate in three years instead of four, significantly reducing costs.

Our mission is rooted in preparing students not just for today’s world, but for the world that is coming — a vision first articulated by our namesake, Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, who believed education should always evolve to meet future needs.

How is Seton Hill working with businesses and other partners to enhance career readiness and real-world skills for students?

Several years ago, we launched our “Fit for the World” career readiness program, which starts in freshman year and continues through graduation. It begins with career assessments to help students understand their interests and strengths early, minimizing mismatches between study programs and career goals. Career services are integrated throughout, from building résumés to networking to internships.

Internships or clinical experiences are required for all students. We have strong partnerships across the region, including businesses, nonprofits, cultural institutions, and healthcare providers. For example, we regularly place students with The Westmoreland Museum of American Art and other local organizations.

Faculty and senior leaders are actively involved in the community, serving on boards and building partnerships that benefit students and the region. Students also participate in service learning, completing thousands of volunteer hours each year and gaining a broader understanding of social challenges like food insecurity or access to healthcare.

Career readiness at Seton Hill isn’t just about landing a first job, it’s about building a mindset of engagement, service, and lifelong learning.

How is Seton Hill incorporating technology to prepare students for the future?

Technology has been a core focus at Seton Hill for a long time. We were the first university in the country to offer iPads to all students and faculty, and we’ve maintained that leadership through ongoing technology integration.

We are recognized as an Apple Distinguished School, a designation awarded to only a small number of institutions nationwide. This reflects not just device usage, but a deeper integration of technology into teaching, learning, and operations.

Students learn how to navigate an increasingly digital economy, not just through coursework, but by applying those tools in meaningful ways. Our focus is on creating agile learners who can adapt to new technologies throughout their careers, rather than simply training them on current tools.

What are your top priorities for Seton Hill University over the next few years?

Our top priority is continuing to expand access to a high-quality education that prepares students for future workforce needs. That means growing academic programs in areas like healthcare, cybersecurity, and other high-demand sectors, while maintaining the liberal arts core that gives graduates a competitive edge.

Affordability will remain central. We will continue to look for ways to help students graduate on time, or even early, through innovative scheduling and credit models.

Strengthening community partnerships, investing in facilities, and remaining flexible in the face of changing demographics and technological advancements are all critical as well.

Most of all, we will continue to honor the vision of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton and our founders, the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill, preparing students not just for today’s challenges, but for leadership, service, and innovation in the world of tomorrow.

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