Molloy University

Private Catholic university in Rockville Centre, New York

Molloy University is a private Roman Catholic university in Rockville Centre, New York. When the college opened, Mother Anselma Ruth was its first president and the school offered two degrees, education and nursing. In 1971, the decision was made to drop "for Women" from the school name. The college opened Fitzgerald Hall, the first of three student residence halls opened, as well as the college's Public Square and Madison Theatre in 2011. In 2013, the Molloy Clinic opened in the Village of Rockville Centre. Before the renovation, the hall was used by the nursing faculty and the college’s Public Safety offices. The following year, Molloy announced James Lentini as president. In March 2022, the New York State Board of Regents approved the change from Molloy College to Molloy University.

There are more than 50 student organizations on campus.

The School of Business at Molloy University is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) and offers undergraduate degrees and graduate degrees, including the M. B. A., as well as dual degrees.

The School of Education and Human Services offers undergraduate and graduate degrees including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in Education, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and Social Work. The university’s Doctor of Education program in Educational Leadership for Diverse Learning Communities is part of the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate. The Education undergraduate and graduate programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). In January 2019, the university opened its Mental Health and Wellness Center. It was founded by Laura Kestemberg, who has served as an associate professor, chair, associate dean, and director of the Master of Science Program and Department of Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Almost half of Molloy’s undergraduates (based on pre 2023 data) major in nursing. The nursing program is built around a humanistic approach. In 2022, the university opened a nursing training school in Amityville to provide training for undergraduate and graduate students.

In 2004, the College announced plans for the Public Square Building. It is now home to the Madison Theatre at Molloy College, a 550+ seat theater and professional performance space. In 2014, Collaborative Arts Project 21, America’s Musical Theatre Conservatory and Theatre Company (CAP21) joined forces with Molloy University. The two institutions developed a four year BFA Theatre Arts Degree Program to help “sustain the theatre for the next generation of artists.” The musical theater training focuses on singing, voice, dance, and music theory. All seniors complete a Senior Showcase. In 2018, Molloy opened the Manhattan Center in downtown Manhattan to serve as the new home for the Molloy/Cap21 program. It occupies the entire fourth floor of a historic building at 50 Broadway. This includes Irish language instruction and courses focused on Irish culture.

CERCOM is a marine science laboratory that monitors marine life and water pollution, and is the only horseshoe crab breeding laboratory in the U. S. In 2013, it was incorporated with the research field station for Molloy’s BS degree program in Earth and Environmental Sciences.

In 2023, some of the university’s rankings included: #50 in Regional Universities North, #45 in Best Value Schools, #263 in Nursing. It was the only college within the New York City region to break the top ten. In 2009, Molloy started Energeia for Teens to help develop leadership skills and promote character development in Long Island high school students.

Molloy and Catholic Health Services work together to improve healthcare in Long Island and provide training opportunities for faculty, students, and others in the community.

Molloy follows the Four Pillars of Dominican Life: Study, Spirituality, Community, and Service. These pillars are part of the Dominican tradition and help guide Molloy’s campus and community activities and programs. The clinic is supported in part by a grant from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation.