1952 - 2026
Dr. Rooney dedicated her entire professional life to higher education, serving in administrative roles that touched the lives of thousands of students and colleagues. Her career included leadership positions at Colgate University, Reed College, and Babson College before her most impactful tenure at Dean College, where she served as president for 27 years. During her time at Dean, she helped transform the institution, guiding its growth and strengthening its reputation while maintaining a strong commitment to student-centered learning.
In addition to her work on campus, Dr. Rooney was deeply involved in leadership at both the local and national levels. She served as President of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) and as President of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts (AICUM). She also contributed her expertise through service on numerous boards, including Ithaca College and the Hockomock Area YMCA.
Following her retirement in 2022, Paula and her husband settled in Brewster, Massachusetts, where she remained active in St. Joan of Arc Parish in Orleans. She enjoyed gardening, reading on her deck, and spending time with those she loved most.
She is survived by her husband, P. Gerard Shaw; her son, Paul R. Shaw; and her sister, Cynthia M. Rooney, M.D., along with countless friends, students, and colleagues whose lives were enriched by her leadership, kindness, and dedication.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Nickerson Funeral Home, 77 Eldredge Park Way in Orleans, Massachusetts. Her funeral service will begin at the funeral home on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 10:00 AM, followed by a Mass at 11:00 AM at St. Joan of Arc Church in Orleans.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the IU Foundation, 1500 N. State Rd. 46 Bypass, Bloomington, IN 47408, with “The Paula M. Rooney HESA Fund” noted in the memo line.
