The school was founded in 1885 by the Sisters of Charity. It is named for Elizabeth Ann Seton, who founded the Sisters of Charity and who, after her death, was canonized as the United States' first native-born saint. In 1914, Seton Hill Junior college was opened by the Sisters of Charity. With the approval of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Seton Hill College was created four years later. In 1946, 40 male World War II veterans were accepted as students at Seton Hill. During the 1980s, men were regularly admitted to many programs at Seton Hill College, including music and theater. In 2002, Seton Hill was officially granted university status by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Seton Hill University received widespread public attention after announcing a technology plan that includes providing an iPad to all full-time students, as well a 13" MacBook to all incoming freshmen. Upon graduation, students keep both devices. Beginning in the fall of 2013, new full-time students will receive an iPad Mini and new full-time freshmen will be provided with a MacBook Air. Seton Hill University is recognized as an Apple Distinguished School.
Academics
Seton Hill divides its undergraduate programs into six schools: Business, Education & Applied Social Sciences, Humanities, Natural & Health Sciences, and Visual & Performing Arts. In addition to their major, all students take liberal arts core classes in arts, mathematics, sciences, culture, history, and writing. The university also offers twelve graduate programs. Subjects include art, writing, education, therapy, business, orthodontics, and physician assistant studies. Seton Hill has a student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1. The typical class size for courses in the major is about 20-25. Liberal arts core classes tend to be larger, at 30-45 students.
After president JoAnne Boyle formalized the school's new status as a university, the teams' nickname was changed from "Spirits" to "Griffins," and several men's athletics teams were added, including football. In 2006, Seton Hill announced it was transferring to NCAA Division II and joining the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. They had belonged to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. In 2012, Seton Hill announced its move to the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference. Seton Hill athletics, known as the Griffins, compete in Division II of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. During the 2012–2013 academic year, Seton Hill was a member of the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. As of July 1, 2013, following the breakup of the WVIAC, along with the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, also from the WVIAC, Seton Hill is a member of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference. Seton Hill varsity men's and women's sports include football, men's & women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, men's wrestling, men's and women's lacrosse, men's and women's track and field, softball, baseball, women's cheerleading, women's field hockey, women's equestrian, men's and women's soccer, women's volleyball, women's golf, and women's tennis. In 2005, 60% of the entering class was male, due to an influx of male students who were interested in new sports programs such as football. In 2008, the football team had a 10-3 record. The football team and the men's soccer team each won the inaugural West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference's team sportsmanship award in 2008. In 2006, the baseball team received a berth to the NAIA World Series in the program's third year of existence. In 2014, the baseball team had its most successful season; winning the PSAC, the Atlantic Regional, and advancing to the College World Series. The team ended up finishing top six in the country.
Campus life
In early 2013, the university received a $7 million grant from the Richard King Mellon Foundation. The grant was the largest in Seton Hill's history and is a component of the university's $75 million plan for campus expansion and renewal.
Admiral Ronne Froman, who graduated from Seton Hill College in 1969, served 31 years in the United States Navy, retiring as a rear admiral, and was the first female US Navy admiral to be "in charge of naval bases and stations around the world". She then filled several high-profile civilian positions in San Diego, California.
Dr. Patricia A. Gabow, alumna of 1965, CEO of Denver Health from 1992–2012
Dr. Margaret C. Heagarty, class of 1957 and founder of the pediatric AIDS unit at Harlem Hospital in New York City, earning international attention and admiration from Princess of Wales, Diana Spencer, who frequented Dr. Heagarty's unit during U.S. tours.
Ethel LeFrak, wife of billionaire Samuel J. LeFrak and prominent New York City philanthropist.
Stephanie M. Wytovich is an American editor, novelist and poet working in the horror genre.
