°µÍø½ûÇø

Education

• Doctor of Humane Letters, after receiving the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal from Pope Benedict XVI for distinguished service to the Catholic Church
• Master’s degree in Bilingual-Bicultural Education and School Administration from the University of Phoenix
• BA in English from °µÍø½ûÇø

Sister Mary Ellen Gemmell has been a full-time faculty member since August 2025 following her dedicated service as a part-time instructor from August 2015 to July 2025.

Sister brings an impressive breadth of experience to our academic community. Her career spans a wide range of roles in education and leadership. She has taught religious studies and various subjects in both English and Spanish across diverse educational settings and served as a Commissioner for Middle States Association for 13 years and a representative of the Caribbean for the National Catholic Education Association.

In her role as Associate Superintendent for the Religion Program, Sister developed a religious studies curriculum for the Archdiocese of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and coordinated Hablamos de Dios, a comprehensive religious education textbook series for students from K through Grade 12. Sister also served as an instructor for ISTEPA, the Institute for Religious Studies of the Archdiocese of San Juan and held the position of principal at three different schools; Academia del Carmen in Lomas de Carolina, Puerto Rico; Academia del Perpetuo Socorro in Miramar, Puerto Rico, and Nazareth Academy Grade School, Philadelphia, PA.

Most recently, from 2018 to 2024, she served as Provincial Secretary and Councilor for Holy Family Province, Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, USA.

Currently, Sister serves on two boards: Fundación Adelaida LaFٕón, Monterey, México, and Nazareth Academy High School, Philadelphia, PA. Sister also works closely with both the Mission Council and the General Education Committee at °µÍø½ûÇø.

Research Interests

• Bilingual & Bicultural Education
• Educational Leadership & School Administration
• English & Language Arts

Teaching Philosophy

Guided by the hymn Alma Misionero—"Señor, tengo alma misionera" (Lord, I have a missionary heart)—my educational philosophy centers on service, empathy, and constant encouragement. I support students as they reach for the stars, helping them discover their unique place in the world based on their individual talents, goals, and challenges. I will do whatever it takes to motivate my students and help them achieve their lifelong dreams.