Campus Catch-Up: A Major Grant, New Dean, High Rankings and Other October Headlines

The University of Scranton is now more than two months into the 2026-27 academic year, which has already brought plenty of news worth celebrating.

Below are a handful of developments from October you may have missed. 

Scranton-Led NASA Grant To Bring Space Science to Communities Nationwide

The University of Scranton has been entrusted with a nearly $5.5 million grant to lead a space education and citizen science initiative focused on space weather and amateur radio. Funded through NASA’s Science Activation (SciAct) program as a cooperative agreement, the project aims to bring scientific discovery out of research laboratories and into schools, libraries, museums and communities across the nation.

Nathaniel Frissell, Ph.D., associate professor of physics and engineering, will serve as the principal investigator of the project, titled “Discovering the SPARC: Space Physics Through Amateur Radio Connections.” Collaborating institutions include the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), Space Science Institute, MIT Haystack Observatory, University of Alabama and New Jersey Institute of Technology with Kera Collective as the external evaluator.

Full coverage at this link: Click here.

University of Scranton Among Highest-Ranked Catholic Universities, Per Niche

The University of Scranton’s status as one of America’s best colleges has been confirmed in numerous publications, including Niche, which placed Scranton on more than a dozen of its rankings of colleges and universities in Pennsylvania and nationwide.

Scranton’s highest rankings include a pair of top-50 national placements in Best Catholic Colleges (No. 25 of 158) and Best College Food (No. 38 of 1,355). In addition to the national rankings, Scranton is No. 2 in the state in both categories.

Full coverage at this link: Click here.

25th Annual U.S. Conference on Disability Draws Leaders in Advocacy, Policy

The University of Scranton marked a milestone anniversary at this year’s U.S. Conference on Disability, celebrating with an exceptional lineup of nationally known speakers and advocates who addressed one of the largest crowds in the event’s history.

In addition to the 185-plus registered participants at the 25th Annual U.S. Conference on Disability, an overflow crowd of about 75 students packed the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center for the day’s final presentation by Rebecca Alexander. Additionally, Bob Casey, former United States Senator and current Leahy Distinguished Fellow in Public Service at The University of Scranton, Lori Shapiro, Pennsylvania's First Lady and a disability rights advocate, and Rebecca Spirito Dalgin, Ph.D., professor and chair of the University's Counseling and Human Services Department, received awards for their service and efforts.

Full coverage at this link: Click here.

Scranton Names New Dean of the Kania School of Management

Jess Boronico, Ph.D., was announced as dean of the University's nationally distinguished Kania School of Management.

A graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University (B.S., M.S.) and the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania (Ph.D.), Dr. Boronico brings to the role more than three decades of leadership in higher education. Since 2022, he has served as dean of the School of Business at Southern Connecticut State University, where he has led successful initiatives focused on academic development, accreditation and community engagement while overseeing strategic planning efforts and a substantial increase in enrollment.

Full coverage at this link: Click here.

Office of Community-Based Learning Announces Student Fellows

The Office of Community-Based Learning (CBL) announced the fourth cohort of the CBL Student Fellows Program, an academic experience that involves students working with community partners — individuals, groups and local organizations — in ways that meet community-defined needs.

Full coverage at this link: Click here.

Additional Headlines:

Office of Health Professions Provides Students a Bridge to Their Future | Click to Read More

Acclaimed Jesuit Priest, Rev. James Martin, S.J., Speaks at Scranton | Click to Read More

University of Scranton 20-Year Employees Honored at Pro Deo Event | Click to Read More

University's IMA Student Chapter Joins Elite Group of Nine Gold Winners Nationwide | Click to Read More

Jesuit Higher Education Leaders Meet at Scranton | Click to Read More