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Mildred Mihlon was named the seventh president of Felician University in February 2024. - PROVIDED BY FELICIAN UNIVERSITY
Mildred Mihlon was named the seventh president of Felician University in February 2024. - PROVIDED BY FELICIAN UNIVERSITY
Felician names acting President Mihlon permanent pick
Jessica Perry//March 4, 2024//
Mildred Mihlon assumed the role of acting president of Felician University last spring. Now, she’s taking on the post permanently.
The Felician University board of trustees announced Mihlon as the seventh president of the institution last week.
The board tapped the previous dean of the School of Arts & Sciences on the interim basis when James Crawford III left the head leadership role in April. He had served as interim president from September 2020 until June 2021, when he was appointed the school’s sixth leader.
Trustee Joseph Boccassini led the presidential search committee’s nationwide efforts. Ultimately, Mihlon was selected from three finalists, according to the Feb. 28 announcement.
“We are excited and fortunate to have Dr. Mihlon’s leadership going forward,” said board Chair Jim D’Agostino. “She has a highly accomplished background in higher education, a steadfast dedication to the mission of Felician University, and has demonstrated exceptional skill in academic leadership during her tenure as Acting President.”
More on Mihlon
The new president joined Felician University as dean of the School of Arts & Sciences in September 2020.
She has nearly 25 years of higher education leadership experience, according to the university. Her background is in Catholic-based institutions as well as Hispanic and minority-serving institutions.
Felician University is recognized as an HSI and MSI. According to the school, underrepresented students comprise more than half of the student population.
“As a member of Felician’s board of trustees I have had the pleasure of working with Dr. Mihlon in her capacity as Acting President since April of 2023 and I know she will do extraordinary things in this role. I have had the privilege of witnessing her passion for student success and deep-rooted belief in the transformative power of education.
“Dr. Milhon’s proven track record of collaborative leadership and her ability to inspire those around her are testaments to her outstanding capabilities as a leader. I believe the university’s future will be in excellent hands under her leadership.”
— Deborah Visconi, president and CEO, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center
— Deborah Visconi, president and CEO, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center
“I am grateful and honored to lead this incredible learning community into the future. Felician’s mission is strong, and it is an important time in our history,” Mihlon said. “Established by the Felician Sisters and the only Catholic Franciscan university in New Jersey, we are building upon a solid reputation for excellence, commitment to student success, and cutting edge programs for developing competence and character in the workforce of tomorrow.”
Before Felician, Mihlon served as associated vice president for academic affairs & assessment at Saint Peter’s University in Jersey City.
She received her Ph.D. from the Graduate Center of the City University of New York in Educational Psychology with a concentration in learning, development, and instruction. She is a wife and mother of two sons, David and James.
Felician University has more than 2,100 undergraduate, graduate and adult education students across its Schools of Arts & Sciences, Business & Information Sciences, Nursing and Education programs. The school has campuses in Rutherford and Lodi.
Last month, U.S. News & World Report recognized Felician’s graduate nursing program as one of the best online programs in the country.
