The Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs

Gwynedd-Mercy College welcomes Robert N. Funk, PhD, of Frederick, Md., as interim vice president for academic affairs. He has held positions in the higher education field for nearly 50 years.

Most recently, Dr. Funk served as provost and dean of the faculty at Hood College in Maryland. He has previously served in numerous administrative positions, including president of Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, a position he held for nine years.

Dr. Funk earned a Doctor of Philosophy from Stanford University, a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts in English, both from the University of Oregon.

Interim Dean for the School of Education

Gwynedd-Mercy College welcomes Sandra D. Mangano, EdD, of New Hope, Pa., as the new interim dean for the School of Education.

Per Today magazine fall 2011:

New Dean Preparing Tomorrow’s Teachers

Appointed to dean of the School of Education in December 2010, Sandra D. Mangano, EdD, is leading the effort to prepare tomorrow’s teachers. 

She is currently working with her faculty on several initiatives to enhance the current education curriculum for both the undergraduate and graduate programs at Gwynedd-Mercy College.

Mangano reported that the Department of Education recently reviewed several of the College’s education programs and that Gwynedd-Mercy College meets the standards in all critical areas for Certificates in PreK-4, 4-8, Special Education PreK-8, Adaptations and Accommodations for Diverse Learners in Inclusive Settings and English Language Learners requirements.

Established four years ago, the School of Education’s Autism Institute continues to provide hands-on workshops, professional development activities, on-site service programs and educational presentations for students majoring in special education, teachers and administrators, parents of children on the autism spectrum and interested community members. The Autism Institute was recently given approval to become an Act 48 non-credit continuing education provider. Additionally, the Autism Institute has begun the process to consider the Behavior Analyst Certificate.  If approved, this certification program will prepare participants for national certification examinations. The program is designed for those who have already earned or intend to earn a graduate degree and seek advanced knowledge in the field of applied behavior analysis.

Embarking on a new initiative, Gwynedd-Mercy College has partnered with Teachscape, a company that provides industry-leading solutions, technology and services for the education market.  Through Teachscape technology, our students will be filmed in the classroom as they instruct and interact with their students and are later evaluated on their skills. At the same time, Gwynedd-Mercy College can take advantage of Teachscape services to improve instructional leadership and practice. Teachscape has partnered with respected institutions including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to shape its approach for schools and teachers.  According to Mangano, “The combination of Teachscape’s technology tools, observation protocols, and feedback to our faculty and students will ensure that our education programs deliver top-notch teachers that school districts need to ensure ever-increasing levels of student success.”

Mangano has been working in the education field since 1964 and has extensive experience in educational institutions of all levels.  Most recently, she served as the assistant superintendent for the Radnor Township School District. Mangano held multiple positions in the North Penn School District, including administrative supervisor of gifted education for kindergarten through 12^th grade and migrant education, assistant principal for grades 10 to 12, and director of strategic planning.  Mangano was also a middle school principal for the Rose Tree Media School District.

Previously at Gwynedd-Mercy College, she taught education classes in both the graduate and undergraduate programs as an adjunct instructor for 25 years and was honored with the College’s Outstanding Teaching Award.

Mangano has a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education/Comprehensive Social Studies from Rosary Hill College (now Daemen College) in Amherst, NY, a master’s in elementary education/developmental reading from SUNY Fredonia, and a doctorate in education from Temple University. She also holds a supervisor certification from Bloomsburg University and a Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility from Arcadia University (then Beaver College).