A chemistry professor inspired her to change the course of her life, and today Dr. Gina Florio hopes to do the same for the next generation of students as dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at Molloy University.
Appearing on the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center’s “Many Voices. One Community” podcast hosted by Gaitley Stevenson Mathews, Florio reflected on the mentors who shaped her career while explaining why she believes a liberal arts education is more valuable than ever in a rapidly changing world.
Florio grew up in Middle Village, Queens, attended Catholic schools, and enrolled at Vassar College unsure of her academic direction. Although she struggled in chemistry as a freshman, professor Stuart Belli recognized her talent and encouraged her to pursue the subject, ultimately helping her graduate with a chemistry degree.
She said that experience completely changed the trajectory of her life and reinforced her belief that dedicated educators can unlock potential students may not recognize in themselves.
Florio went on to earn a doctorate in chemistry at Purdue University, completed postdoctoral research at Columbia University, spent 17 years on the faculty and in academic leadership at St. John’s University, and now serves as dean at Molloy.
Throughout the conversation, Florio rejected the notion that science and the arts exist in separate worlds, describing science as an inherently creative process driven by curiosity, innovation and storytelling.
She also emphasized that higher education should prepare students not only for careers but for ethical leadership, critical thinking and lifelong learning.
Florio said Molloy’s Catholic and Dominican traditions of service, community, spirituality and study remain central to the university’s mission as its student body becomes increasingly diverse, including more first-generation and Hispanic students.
She said creating an environment where students feel supported, welcomed and encouraged allows them to flourish academically and personally.
“We are looking toward the greater good,” Florio said. “Ethical leadership is our North Star.”
Mathews praised Molloy’s students for their compassion, volunteerism and commitment to serving others, saying those qualities demonstrate that strong values and a broad education remain essential foundations for building better communities.