Darlene Marnich, Ph.D.

Professor, Education

Contact Information

• Office: 710 Academic Hall
• Phone: 412-392-3474
• Email: dmarnich@pointpark.edu

Education

• Ph.D., Curriculum and Instruction, Preston University
• M.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction, University of Pittsburgh
• All course work completed toward Ed.D., University of Pittsburgh
• B.S., Mathematics/Secondary Education, Point Park University
• B.A., Economics and Rhetoric/Speech Communications, University of Pittsburgh

Courses Taught

• Teaching Mathematics
• Teaching Science and Health
• Mathematical Experience
• General Mathematics
• Basic Algebra
• College Algebra
• Elementary Statistics
• The University Experience - Education
• Advanced Practicum - Instructional Studies

Background

In her more than 40 years at Point Park University, Darlene Marnich, Ph.D., has been instrumental in the development of the Education program from a small department to a thriving School of Education.

Marnich began her career at Point Park University in 1981 as assistant to the dean of curricular administration. In 1982, she took the position of assistant to the chair of the Department of Natural Sciences and Engineering Technology and also began teaching mathematics classes as an adjunct instructor. Based on her success in the classroom, she began teaching more each semester and became a full-time professor. In 2007, Marnich was named chair of Point Park's education department and additionally served as the university's faculty athletic representative.

As chair, Marnich helped the Education program reach a number of accomplishments including certifications for programs in Pre-K through Grade 4 and Grade 4 through Grade 8, two special education programs (Pre-K through Grade 8 and Grade 7 through Grade 12), three master's degree programs (Teaching and Leadership, Secondary Education leading to Pa. certification and M.Ed. in Athletic Coaching) and an Ed.D. doctoral program in leadership and administration, which Marnich wrote and oversaw the approval of by Middle States and Pennslvania Department of Education. As of Aug. 2026, nearly 400 doctoral degrees have been conferred.

In 2015, the university began offering master's programs in an online format and following that success, has offered degrees on all levels, from associate to doctoral, in an online format. In 2018, the Department of Education transitioned to the School of Education, and Marnich was named Founding Dean in 2020. 

During her three years as Founding Dean, enrollment continued to grow. She stepped down as Dean at the end of the 2023 academic year and resumed the role of chair. In the fall of 2025, she stepped away from all administrative roles to go back to her first love, teaching! 

Pennsylvania Teaching Certifications

• Elementary
• Middle School Mathematics
• Secondary Mathematics