For Donna McMonagle, who joined the University of St. an early age.
“My first job after school was to help in the rectory office of our parish. I was responsible for helping with the parish books and records,” she recalls.
A product of Catholic education throughout her educational experience, Ms. McMonagle graduated from the University of Scranton with a bachelor’s degree in history and a business minor after attending St. Dominic Academy in her native Jersey City, NJ.
Initially drawn to a career in journalism and communications, she focused on the liberal arts, and this proved important when banks and financial firms recruited on campus. She faced a competitive interview for a banking career development program.
“Any good liberal arts major knows their way around a library and how to do research, and I was fully prepared for that interview because I did my research and knew the latest trends and issues facing the banking industry,” she explained. “I share that anecdote because it shows how the possibilities are never limited; you can always pivot and do different things if you do your research and work hard. These are important skills to learn and develop, especially during college.”
With experience in higher education and fiscal management at public and private institutions, and as the mother of two teenage high school daughters, she is aware of the current and future financial challenges facing colleges and the students they serve. A proud recipient of a Federal Pell Grant, she is committed to the principles of access and affordability and is keenly aware of the implications of institutional financial decision-making.
As she enters her new role, Ms. McMonagle is committed to fostering a culture of transparency and collaboration. “Maybe it’s my liberal arts background, but I tend to like to explain things,” she said. “Let’s get to a place where we have a mutual understanding of the facts and move forward together.
She plans to work closely with students, faculty, administrators and staff to ensure that the University’s financial strategies align with its mission and goals. Her collaborative, team-building vision includes advancing financial sustainability across the University while continuing to invest in strategic initiatives and innovative academic programs.
As Vice President, CFO and Treasurer, she serves as the principal financial advisor to the Office of the President and the senior leadership team, providing strategic guidance, oversight and management of the University’s financial operations. As a direct report to Rev. Brian J. Shanley, OP, President, she serves as a member of the Senior Management Group and Chief Administrative Officer.
Ms. McMonagle comes to St. At Seton Hall, she was responsible for Finance and Information Technology (IT), leading teams focused on budgeting, financial analysis, accounting, debt management, investment and fund oversight, as well as IT systems/infrastructure, teaching , learning and technology. .
Prior to joining Seton Hall, she served as Vice President and Treasurer at Montclair State University, the second largest public university in New Jersey. She oversaw a team of 60 professionals who helped manage an annual operating budget of more than $400 million and a debt portfolio of $385 million.
Before entering the higher education industry, Ms. McMonagle spent more than three years as a senior member of the corporate finance team at NRG Energy, a diversified, publicly traded energy company. Earlier in her professional career, she progressed through positions of increasing responsibility over 13 years at Fitch Ratings, the international bond rating agency. She began her professional financial career working in the banking sector.
Her decision to move into the education sector was driven by one of her deeply held beliefs. “I have always been passionate about the transformative power of education and its ability to change lives,” she said. “Joining St. John’s is an incredible opportunity to contribute to a mission-focused institution that values academic excellence and student success.”
Ms. McMonagle shows an awareness and appreciation for St. John’s mission. In her professional career and personal interests, she is dedicated to advancing Catholic ideals and education. An active parishioner at St. Mary Parish in Nutley, NJ, she volunteers on the parish finance committee and religious education ministry.
When she’s not working and crunching numbers, Ms. McMonagle enjoys family time with her daughters and her husband, Kevin, a retired fire captain. Her passions include cooking, traveling, experiencing the outdoors, rooting for the New York Mets, and exposing her teenage daughters to concerts and the classic sounds of Bruce Springsteen and Pearl Jam. The whole family looks forward to cheering on the Red Storm Athletics teams.
While settling in her new office, Mrs. McMonagle is eager to meet the St. Louis family. John and begin working toward a brighter future for the extended campus community.
