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Beth Paul
Beth Paul
Beth Paul
Beth Paul
Listen to this articlePresident, Nazareth University
Years in current role: 4.5
What was the most significant challenge your organization faced in 2024, and how did you address it?
Nazareth’s biggest challenge was the extreme delay caused by the U.S. Department of Education’s flawed roll-out of a new FAFSA (financial aid) application. This caused uncertainty for current students and hampered recruitment of new students. I’m proud of how our Nazareth team showed unwavering commitment and innovation through unique strategies like direct admissions and personalized financial aid guidance to overcome the challenge. Application numbers were the highest in Nazareth history (up 43% over the previous year) and enrollment was solid. A big achievement in the face of a big obstacle.
What trends or innovations in your industry do you anticipate having the biggest impact in 2025?
We must keep young people focused on education as a powerful pathway for building a better future for themselves, their families, neighboring communities and our world. For the first time since WWII, fewer students are pursuing higher education. At our time of rapid and revolutionary technological and social change, this slide puts us all at risk. We must emphasize the value of a college education as a potent pathway to personal, social and economic progress. Experiential learning, in partnership with our community — at the center of a Nazareth education since our founding 100 years ago — will continue to be paramount.
What role do you see Rochester playing in your organization’s growth over the next few years?
Nazareth and Rochester have always been strongly connected. The Rochester business, nonprofit, and government community values the well-trained, smart, and innovative students Nazareth produces. Naz alumni are an engine for companies, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Complementarily, Nazareth students look to the learning laboratories and career on-ramps Rochester provides. Internships. Life-changing field work projects. Mentors. This mutual relationship will expand further. There are many opportunities for Nazareth to grow Rochester, and for Rochester to grow Nazareth. I’m excited at how Naz’s new academic programs like physician assistant and AI will dovetail into the Rochester region’s caring, innovative ethos.
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This profile is part of our Power 100 list for 2025. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. View the full list at rbj.net. |
