Dominican College in Orangeburg is having its status upgraded to university, making it the first university in Rockland County.

A new sign in front of the Orangeburg campus has already been put up with the name change to Dominican University New York.

“This is an important milestone in our history as we prepare to celebrate our 70th anniversary,” said Sr. Mary Eileen. “Changing our name to Dominican University New York brings formal recognition to the caliber of our academic programs. With our new name comes additional prestige and more opportunities for the school and our students.”

Dominican was granted university status by the New York State Board of Regents based on the fact that Dominican offers graduate programs in at least three of the following discipline areas: agriculture, biological sciences, business, education, engineering, fine arts, health professions, humanities, physical sciences, and social sciences.