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Maximilian Kent | Editor in Chief, the Dean Daily
Republished with permission
The Dean College community is mourning the loss of President Emerita Dr. Paula M. Rooney, who passed away March 17th following a courageous three-year battle with brain cancer. She was 74.
Dr. Rooney, whose leadership spanned nearly three decades, is survived by her husband, Dr. Gerry Shaw, and their son, Paul. Her passing has sent a wave of shock and sadness through the campus she spent 27 years transforming.
A Legacy of Growth and Modernization
Dr. Rooney was appointed president in the summer of 1995, arriving just one year after the institution transitioned from Dean Junior College to Dean College. At the time, the college faced significant hurdles, including dwindling enrollment, aging infrastructure, and financial instability.
Under her guidance, the college underwent a massive physical and academic transformation. She modernized campus technology and infrastructure, which laid the groundwork for the school’s first four-year baccalaureate programs. In 2000, she officially launched Dean’s first bachelor’s degree in Dance, a program that has since gained national prestige.
One of the most enduring legacies of Dr. Rooney’s tenure was the establishment of the "Dean Difference" mission. This was more than a marketing slogan aimed at prospective students; it was a fundamental shift in the college’s culture.
The mission challenged current students, faculty, and staff to identify and embody what made the institution unique. By focusing on a "student-first" philosophy, Dr. Rooney emphasized personalized learning, small class sizes, and a supportive community. This mission served as the North Star for the college’s expansion, ensuring that even as enrollment doubled, the intimate, mentored environment of the campus remained intact.
Under this idea, Dr. Rooney empowered faculty to move beyond traditional lecturing, fostering a culture where students were encouraged to ask what made their education special and how they could apply their unique "Dean" experience to the professional world.
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Rooney was instrumental in elevating the college’s profile through high-level partnerships. Most notably, she brokered an exclusive partnership with Kraft Sports, granting students unprecedented hands-on access to Gillette Stadium and the New England Patriots. This remains one of the primary draws for students entering the Sports and Entertainment Management program today.
She also oversaw the college's successful transition into a full member of NCAA Division III athletics.
National Recognition
In 2020, Indiana University awarded Dr. Rooney the Bicentennial Medal, citing her remarkable 18-year track record. During that period, she:
- More than doubled student enrollment.
- Increased overall retention rates.
- Tripled the college’s endowment from $7.9 million to over $30 million.
In 2022, Dean College announced that the Student Center would be renamed to the Dr. Paula M. Rooney Student Center in honor of her tenure as President.
Paula M. Rooney Plaque in the Dean Student Center. Photo Courtesy: Natalie Zona
A "Long-Sitting" Leader
When she stepped down in May 2022, Dr. Rooney was recognized as one of the longest-serving college presidents in the United States. Mark Boyce, Chair of the Dean College Board of Trustees at the time, noted that of her retirement that her length of tenure was a testament to her stability and vision.
Colleagues remember her as a leader who balanced firm business acumen with personal kindness. Gregg Seibert and Vic Michaels, long-time faculty members at Dean, shared their reflections today:
"President Rooney was all business at times, however supportive and compassionate when needed... we have the deepest respect and admiration for her dedication to Dean College. She will be dearly missed!"
Darrell Kulesza, Interim President of Dean College, said in a statement sent to students and staff today: "She believed every decision should be made with students in mind and helped build a community that reflects that value.
A bench in appreciation on the Dean campus. Photo Courtesy: Natalie Zona
As of Wednesday afternoon, Dean College has not yet released details regarding a public funeral or wake. The college is expected to share information on how the community can pay their respects once arrangements are finalized by the Rooney-Shaw family.
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UPDATE FROM THE FUNERAL HOME::
Paula's Calling hours will be held Friday, March 20, 2026 at Nickerson Funeral Home, 77 Eldredge Park Way, Orleans, MA 02653 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Paula's Funeral service Will begin at the funeral home on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 10:00 AM immediately followed by a Mass at St Joan of Arc Church in Orleans at 11:00 AM
