Nursing Faculty



Professor Abounader

Claudette A. Abounader

, M.S.
Assistant Professor of Nursing

Phone: (315) 792-3268
Office: 220 White Hall

Claudette Abounader is an Assistant Professor of Nursing who has been a part-time faculty member since 1992 and became full time in 2002. She has a B.S. and M.S. from Syracuse University as well as credentialing as an adult nurse practitioner from Syracuse University. Her research interests are teaching methods and student academic achievement.


Annette L. Becker, M.S., Assistant Professor of Nursing

Annette L. Becker

, M.S.
Assistant Professor of Nursing

Phone: (315) 792-3078
Office: 220 White Hall

Annette's hometown is Syracuse, NY. Her areas of research or academic interests include Family Health, Spirituality and Health, and Psychiatric Nursing.


Professor Brownell

Catherine (Cathy) B. Brownell

, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Nursing

Phone: (315) 792-3705
Office: 243 White Hall

Catherine Brownell is Assistant Professor of Nursing and Chair of the Nursing program at UC. She joined the Department of Nursing in July 2002 as Project Coordinator for the Tapestry Project, a Nursing Workforce Diversity Grant from HRSA Bureau of Health Professions. She received a Ph.D. from Binghamton University in 2002. ...More About Catherine B. Brownell


Sharon M. DePiazza


Secretary III - HPE

Phone: (315) 792-3146
Office: 236 White Hall

Sharon DePiazza provides administrative support to various departments within the School of Health Professions and Education at Utica College. She graduated from Utica School of Commerce and has completed the Microcomputer Certificate Program at Utica College. Sharon has provided over 20 years of support for various departments and divisions at Utica College.


Judith B. Dyne, M.S., A.N.P.

Judith (Judy) B. Dyne

, M.S.
Assistant Professor of Nursing

Phone: (315) 792-3314
Office: 258 White Hall

Judith B. Dyne joined the nursing faculty in 2004 as an Assistant Professor of Nursing. Judy will also assume the role of RN-BS Liaison for Utica College's nursing program in Syracuse. She received a diploma in nursing from St. Joseph's Hospital in Syracuse, a BSN at Troy State University in Alabama, a MS as a Clinical Nurse Specialist and a Post-Masters Certificate as an Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP) from Syracuse University. ...More About Judith B. Dyne


Professor Gleasman

Elizabeth (Libby) B. Gleasman

, M.S.
Associate Professor of Nursing

Phone: (315) 792-3303
Office: 204 Faculty Center

Elizabeth Gleasman is an Associate Professor of Nursing who joined the faculty in 1985. She received her B.S. and M.S. from the University of Rochester. She holds adult nurse practitioner certification from Syracuse University and family nurse practitioner certification from George Washington University. She has been actively involved in research and practice in promoting wellness in the work place. She maintains faculty practice as a nurse practitioner in an acute care setting.


Nancy Vacarro, MS, RN

Nancy J. Vaccaro

, M.S.
Coordinator Clinical Lab

Phone: (315) 792-3119
Office: R203 Romano Hall

Nancy Vaccaro has been an Adjunct Clinical Instructor in the Department of Nursing since 1996. She joined the faculty October 2004 on a full time basis in a newly created position as Lab Coordinator/Clinical Coordinator/Clinical Instructor. She provides nursing students opportunities to practice their skills during open lab hours and coordinates and secures health-care sites for various clinical experiences. These experiences provide students the opportunity to adapt theory to practice. She received her B.S. and M.S. degree from New School of Social Research in 1991. She has been actively involved in clinical practice as a hospital Nurse Supervisor, responsible for overseeing and coordinating all patient care delivered in the acute care and SNF settings. She continues to remain per-diem in this role.


Mary Katharine Maroney, Ph.D., R.N.

Mary Kay Maroney


Professor Emerita, Ph.D.


Mary Katharine Maroney is a Professor Emerita and past Director of Nursing who joined the faculty in 1991. She received her Ph.D. in Child and Family Studies at Syracuse University in 1992. ...More About Mary Kay Maroney


Professor Murphy

Joan C. Murphy


Professor Emerita, Ed.D., C.A.N.P.


Joan C. Murphy is a Professor Emerita of Nursing who joined the faculty in 1982 as the first Director of Nursing. She received her Ed.D. from Syracuse University and holds a B.S.N. from Nazareth College, M.S.N. from Boston University, and Nurse Practitioner from University of Rochester. Her research interests include adult education, ethical issues, and correctional nursing. She actively serves as Editorial Review Group Chair for the Home Care Nursing Review Group for Doody Publishing Company and has authored numerous book reviews.