Dr. Roseanne Vallice Levy’s path to higher education began with a bold career shift — from law to the classroom — driven by a desire to do work that aligned with her values. Her early experiences teaching in diverse K–12 settings deepened her commitment to equity, inclusion and culturally informed teaching. Today, she works to empower faculty and support a university culture where excellence in teaching is both celebrated and continuously strengthened.
She holds a B.A. in Political Science from New York University, an M.S. in Special Education and 7-12 Social Studies Education from Long Island University and a Ph.D. in Special Education and Curriculum Instruction in Urban Settings from the University of South Florida.
In this Q&A, Dr. Levy reflects on the experiences that shaped her path, shares what makes working at Mercy so meaningful and reveals the unexpected topic she could present on, with zero preparation.
Q&A
What drew you to the field you work in and what led you to work in higher education?
I started out on a path to law school and spent several years working as a paralegal, but I realized the work didn’t align with my values. I made the shift to education and began teaching at an urban public high school, which had a profound impact on me. Over time, I saw how inequities—especially for students with disabilities from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds—were too often overlooked. Rather than grow disillusioned, I pursued a Ph.D. to better prepare future educators to confront those challenges with care and cultural competence.
What does working at Mercy mean to you?
For me, Mercy University is home. Having the opportunity to work at Mercy University and do what I love is an absolute privilege that I do not take for granted.
What’s the most rewarding or most challenging part of your role that most people don’t realize?
One of the greatest rewards of this role is the opportunity to work closely with our exceptional faculty to explore what true teaching excellence looks like and how it can best support and uplift our students. It's equally important that we foster a culture of sharing the innovative practices happening in our classrooms, so we can collectively strengthen student success and help ensure a seamless transition from higher education to their professional lives..
What accomplishment are you most proud of in your professional career?
Serving as President of the Faculty Senate and later as President of the Faculty Association has been especially meaningful, as both roles allowed me to work closely with faculty and administration, helping to forge strong and lasting relationships.
What upcoming projects, research or initiatives are you excited about?
In this new role, I’m excited to take a deep dive into what truly constitutes teaching excellence. As a teaching institution, I look forward to seeing Mercy continue to grow and thrive in the scholarship of teaching and learning, while collaborating closely with our incredible faculty and staff. As technology continues to evolve, I’m eager to explore the many ways we can thoughtfully integrate it into our classrooms to better support our students and elevate both their experience and our institution.
Share a favorite Mercy University memory.
2012 Graduation: My very first Mercy graduation as a faculty member in the School of Education.
What’s the most important piece of advice you’d give to a freshman student about to begin their first day at Mercy University?
Believe in yourself and dream BIG.
If your life was a movie, what would the opening credits song be? (or, What song best reflects your personality?)
Hint: it’s a Beyoncé song. Come find me and take your best guess!
What topic could you give a 20-minute presentation on, with no preparation whatsoever?
The Real Housewives franchise—any city, any season, any feud. No notes and no slides needed.
If you were to pursue a different career path outside of education, which field could you see yourself working in, and why?
If I could make a living doing it, I’d absolutely be a podcaster, assuming people would actually want to listen. My husband and two daughters would be guaranteed (forced) listeners, but I think I’d need more than three subscribers to make it work.
Looking ahead, whether in your personal life, academics, or career, what are you most looking forward to and why?
When it comes to all aspects of my life, I always look forward to quiet time and time spent with my loved ones. I use these times to recharge, reflect and recalibrate.
