Colleen Saul

Current Position: VP of Operations at Jefferson Health Abington

Story Last Updated: Summer 2024

When I think about the core values of Gwynedd, integrity, respect, service, and social justice, I realize that they became the foundation of my career. I adopted those core values as they translate well into my personal and professional values. These values are what have driven my success and are integral to my role at Jefferson Health. I think that’s an important thing for me to highlight.

Coming to GMercyU

Graduating from Bishop McDevitt High School in 1986 and growing up in the area, Colleen Saul had GMercyU on her list of potential schools to attend. As a first-generation college student, Colleen and her parents made a deal that she would be responsible for half of her college tuition and her parents would cover the second half.

After applying to GMercyU and being accepted, Colleen was awarded the Connelly Scholarship, covering half her tuition expenses. She maintained the scholarship throughout her four years.

“Gwynedd met my needs with regard to the size of the college and the fact that I was able to stay home and save money which was important to me,” Colleen said.

GMercyU was the perfect fit for Colleen both personally and professionally. The flexibility of classes allowed Colleen to keep her job while being a full-time student.

“My favorite part was meeting my best friend at Gwynedd,” said Colleen.

Colleen and her lifelong best friend, Mary Andreacchio-Catalino, have raised their families together and even go on vacations together.

Experience at GMercyU

Colleen graduated with her bachelors in Healthcare Administration in 1990.

While she enjoyed the program, Colleen’s three favorite classes were actually electives. During her undergrad, Colleen took a media elective where students set up equipment and created a newscast. She thoroughly enjoyed how much fun she had in the course.

Another of her favorite classes was “On Death and Dying”, where she learned about the ethical challenges surrounding sick and dying individuals. This class taught her how to have an ethical and human approach to death and dying.

Despite being completely out of her comfort zone, Colleen also took a one credit music class and joined the Voices of Gwynedd.

I really got to understand that sometimes people tell you that you can’t do something, but you should at least give it a try and you might have fun with it.

As a member of the Voices of Gwynedd, Colleen performed in the annual Carol Nights during the holidays. Even today, Colleen and her family still attend the event to support the University.

Colleen completed an internship at Temple Medical Practice, where she assisted in relocating the practice. Additionally, she learned the administrative and operations side of relocating.

In 2016, Colleen obtained her Masters of Business Administration with a concentration in Strategic Management and Leadership.

“I felt like if I wanted to continue in my career, I needed to obtain my masters and the online Master’s program at Gwynedd was again another great fit for me,” Colleen said.

Colleen’s Career

“It’s all about finding a career that makes your heart sing,” shared Colleen.

Colleen now works at Jefferson Health Abington, one of Jefferson’s eight divisions, as Vice President of Operations. Her favorite part of the job is learning what the clinicians do to care for patients, and she is constantly seeking learning opportunities.

What Gwynedd also instilled in me is that learning is a lifelong process.

Colleen had always wanted to become a doctor to provide people with the best type of care they could get, but she chose a different path.

“I make sure our clinicians have the tools, the infrastructure, and the operations to support that Mercy-driven initiative to really care for people compassionately,” said Colleen.