Dr. Faherty Nielsen has joined Villa Maria College as the Registrar.
As the Registrar, Dr. Nielson will manage all student records and assist students with enrollment and course withdrawal. She is responsible for maintaining student records and test scores, working with faculty and faculty advisors, planning registration schedules each year, coordinating class schedules and room assignments, and helping to update College announcements provided to students each year.
“It is critical to support students both in and out of the classroom,” said Dr. Faherty. “Hands-on, personalized engagement truly makes a difference in persistence, retention, and overall success. Supporting a student holistically helps them achieve not only academic success but also personal success, and the collaboration of the student’s extended support network is critical to institutional success. I have held onto these lessons and implemented them in my own practice. I am committed to fostering student success and dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of my work as an educator. I am excited to be the Registrar at Villa Maria College.”
Dr. Nielsen holds a Master of Science in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration, a certificate of advanced study in Assessment in Student Affairs, and a micro-credential in Data Visualization and Storytelling from SUNY Buffalo State. She also has a Doctor of Philosophy in American History from Binghamton University.
“As an alum of Wells College, I appreciate the unique qualities of a small college,” continued Dr. Faherty. “I also recognize the critical importance of providing excellent student support services while always remaining mindful of retention. I am eager to join Villa’s mission to implement innovative strategies to educate and empower students, continuing to grow the student body.”
Dr. Nielsen brings strong experience in academic advising, non-profit grant, development, and accounting, as well as significant supervision and operations experience, to her role as Registrar. She comes to Villa Maria from SUNY Buffalo State, where she worked as an Academic Advisor.
