Meet Our Staff

Nancy Mott, Ed.D., Founding Director of Learning Support Services

Nancy Mott, Ed. D., served as the Director of Learning Support Services and was a valued member of the Villanova community for more than 20 years. During her tenure she helped hundreds of students achieve academic success and mentored dozens of students and young professionals. After several years serving as the only member of the department, she grew Learning Support Services and its mission to what it is today. 

Known for cultivating positive relationships with faulty members, Dr. Mott was the creator of the “Bridge Builder Award.” After soliciting nominations from students with disabilities, faculty were awarded in recognition of their partnership and efforts to support students with academic accommodations. Along with an award, each certificate included a framed copy of Will Allen Dromgoole’s poem, The Bridge Builder.

During her time as Director, Dr. Mott was recognized and rewarded for her leadership. She was awarded the Above and Beyond Award in 2007, which recognizes individuals at Villanova who go above and beyond the routine call of duty. Then, in 2010 she received the Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes an individual staff member for consistent excellence, exceptional performance and service to the Villanova community. Dr Mott is a member of Villanova’s chapter of the Alpha Sigma Lambda Society, a national honor society for adult students in higher education.

When Dr. Mott started at Villanova in 1999, she ran the LSS office out of Geraghty Hall, eventually moving into Kennedy and then Vasey Hall, and finally settling into what is now the Learning Commons in Falvey Library. Under her leadership, the department increased its staff over the years by employing three more Learning Specialists, an Administrative Assistant, and an Exam Coordinator who now serve over 500 students with disabilities each year as well as many others through academic coaching and study skills workshops.

Admired and respected by faculty and students alike, Dr. Mott embraced the Augustinian traditions of Villanova and exhibited those traditions in her words and deeds. She retired in May 2020.