Julie Warnick has returned to Saint Francis to serve as Dean of the Division of Professional Studies.
Warnick most recently served as the Director of Graduate and Online Studies at Seton Hill University in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, from 2018-24. She returns to Loretto after working previously at SFU for 18 years (2000-18).
During her previous tenure at Saint Francis, she served a Director of Career Services before assuming the post of Director of SFU’s Continuing Education Program.
Warnick said the opportunity to become dean of SFU’s Division of Professional Studies was too good to pass up. She said she has fond memories from her previous time at Saint Francis.
“I came back on campus and went into the chapel and spent some time there – and then I just knew that I was called to come back.
“I feel like it’s home.”
Warnick said she is excited about the opportunity to help develop the University’s Aviation Maintenance Technician and Patient Care Technician programs.
A blessing and dedication event to celebrate the opening of SFU’s Aviation Education Center at the John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport in Johnstown was held on Aug. 29.
These two programs provide students hands-on learning opportunities in the aviation repair and healthcare fields.
“I’m really excited because there’s a lot of growth opportunity and a lot of potential for partnerships with employers,” said Warnick.
Seton Hill utilizes a model where students receive credit for prior learning outside of a classroom or academic environment. Warnick said she is currently developing a proposal for a similar model at Saint Francis.
“So many of our adult students have work experience, certifications, different backgrounds and skills. They could get credit for their prior work experience.”
Warnick holds a bachelor’s degree from Point Park University, a master’s degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a doctoral degree from Nova Southeastern University.
She said she looks forward to forging new partnerships with employers and other schools to educate them on the programs that Saint Francis offers.
