Daniel J. Martino, Ph.D. Named Dean of the School of Humanities at Seton Hill
Daniel J. Martino, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Philosophy and Theology at Seton Hill University, has been appointed as the Dean of the School of Humanities, Seton Hill President Mary C. Finger, Ed.D. announced. Dr. Martino’s tenure began on August 1, 2026.
He takes over the role from Dr. David von Schlichten, who served as Dean since January 1, 2023. Dr. von Schlichten will continue in his role as Professor of Religious Studies.
“Dr. Daniel Martino brings a deep commitment to Seton Hill’s Catholic, Setonian identity and a distinguished history of academic leadership, scholarship, and service to our community,” said Seton Hill President Mary C. Finger, Ed.D. “Dan has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to our liberal arts tradition, interdisciplinary scholarship, and student success. His extensive scholarly background and service in leadership roles make him extraordinarily well-suited to guide the School of Humanities into a vibrant future.”
"I am deeply honored to be appointed as Dean of the School of Humanities and moved by the warm support of my colleagues, especially Dr. David von Schlichten, who mentored me so generously through this transition, along with the invaluable help of Alishia Tulley, the School’s administrative assistant,” Dr. Martino said. “I view this role as one of service - both to Seton Hill and to our students - while championing the aspirational role of the humanities. The humanities are uniquely positioned to embolden Seton Hill’s Catholic mission and liberal arts tradition by helping students explore what it means to be human, fostering deep reflection, and equipping them to make sense of life and transform the world."
Dr. Martino joined the Seton Hill faculty in 1998 as an adjunct and began a full-time teaching role at the University in 2007. From 2008 to 2024, Dr. Martino served as Director of the Certificate in Pastoral Ministry Program, a partnership with the Diocese of Greensburg that equipped leaders for pastoral service across the region.
At Seton Hill, Dr. Martino teaches a broad range of courses across biblical studies, Christian ethics, moral theology, continental philosophy, biomedical ethics, and Catholic social teaching. He has held numerous leadership roles on campus, including serving as Co-Chair for the Middle States Self-Evaluation Working Group Committee for Mission and Identity, course coordinator for Liberal Arts core areas, and member of the Professional Development and Academic Standards committees.
An active scholar in philosophical theology grounded in existentialism, phenomenology, and Catholic systematic theology, Dr. Martino has authored journal articles, encyclopedia entries, and review essays, and has presented extensively at national and international conferences—including the World Phenomenology Institute and the College Theology Society. He frequently delivers lectures on Catholic intellectual tradition, Christian nationalism, social justice, and scripture for regional diocesan programs and local community initiatives.
Dr. Martino holds a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from Duquesne University (2004), as well as an M.A. in Systematic Theology and an M.Div. from St. Vincent Seminary, and a B.S. in Business Administration from Duquesne University. Prior to joining Seton Hill full-time, he served as Director and Associate Director of the Simon Silverman Phenomenology Center at Duquesne University, where he oversaw international scholarship, published lecture series, and organized annual symposia at the intersection of continental philosophy, Catholic theology, and human sciences.
He takes over the role from Dr. David von Schlichten, who served as Dean since January 1, 2023. Dr. von Schlichten will continue in his role as Professor of Religious Studies.
“Dr. Daniel Martino brings a deep commitment to Seton Hill’s Catholic, Setonian identity and a distinguished history of academic leadership, scholarship, and service to our community,” said Seton Hill President Mary C. Finger, Ed.D. “Dan has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to our liberal arts tradition, interdisciplinary scholarship, and student success. His extensive scholarly background and service in leadership roles make him extraordinarily well-suited to guide the School of Humanities into a vibrant future.”
"I am deeply honored to be appointed as Dean of the School of Humanities and moved by the warm support of my colleagues, especially Dr. David von Schlichten, who mentored me so generously through this transition, along with the invaluable help of Alishia Tulley, the School’s administrative assistant,” Dr. Martino said. “I view this role as one of service - both to Seton Hill and to our students - while championing the aspirational role of the humanities. The humanities are uniquely positioned to embolden Seton Hill’s Catholic mission and liberal arts tradition by helping students explore what it means to be human, fostering deep reflection, and equipping them to make sense of life and transform the world."
Dr. Martino joined the Seton Hill faculty in 1998 as an adjunct and began a full-time teaching role at the University in 2007. From 2008 to 2024, Dr. Martino served as Director of the Certificate in Pastoral Ministry Program, a partnership with the Diocese of Greensburg that equipped leaders for pastoral service across the region.
At Seton Hill, Dr. Martino teaches a broad range of courses across biblical studies, Christian ethics, moral theology, continental philosophy, biomedical ethics, and Catholic social teaching. He has held numerous leadership roles on campus, including serving as Co-Chair for the Middle States Self-Evaluation Working Group Committee for Mission and Identity, course coordinator for Liberal Arts core areas, and member of the Professional Development and Academic Standards committees.
An active scholar in philosophical theology grounded in existentialism, phenomenology, and Catholic systematic theology, Dr. Martino has authored journal articles, encyclopedia entries, and review essays, and has presented extensively at national and international conferences—including the World Phenomenology Institute and the College Theology Society. He frequently delivers lectures on Catholic intellectual tradition, Christian nationalism, social justice, and scripture for regional diocesan programs and local community initiatives.
Dr. Martino holds a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from Duquesne University (2004), as well as an M.A. in Systematic Theology and an M.Div. from St. Vincent Seminary, and a B.S. in Business Administration from Duquesne University. Prior to joining Seton Hill full-time, he served as Director and Associate Director of the Simon Silverman Phenomenology Center at Duquesne University, where he oversaw international scholarship, published lecture series, and organized annual symposia at the intersection of continental philosophy, Catholic theology, and human sciences.