The College of Health and Human Services Mourns the Passing of Dr. Scott Saccomano

Friday, December 16, 2022 – The College of Health and Human Services is saddened by the passing of Scott J. Saccomano, PhD, RN, GNP-BC, clinical associate professor in the School of Nursing, who died this week.

Saccomano brought more than 30 years’ nursing and teaching experience when he arrived at UNC Wilmington in August 2017. He began his career as a staff nurse at the University Hospital for Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, New York. He went on to serve in a variety of professional, administrative and director roles in New York. Saccomano transitioned to academia in 2003 and served on the faculty of Coastal Carolina University, Lehman College, the State University of New York, Southern Connecticut State University and Seton Hall University.

Saccomano received a bachelor’s degree in biology from Adelphi University, a bachelor’s degree in nursing from City College of New York, a Master of Science in nursing from Hunter College of the City University Of New York, an advanced practice certificate as a geriatric nurse practitioner from New York University and his Ph.D. in health professions leadership from Seton Hall University.

Saccomano served on the editorial board of Clinicians Reviews, a journal for nurse practitioners and physicians assistants, and was a member of the Shadow Health Advisory Board and Sigma Theta Tau International. He was a founding member of CUNY Men in Nursing, a local chapter of the American Assembly for Men in Nursing. For his contributions to the profession, Saccomano was recognized in 2015 by the Nurse Practitioner Journal as a clinical scholar. His research interests were in the areas of leadership and management and improving care and health outcomes for older adults and men’s health.

Dr. Matthew Gallek, interim director of the School of Nursing, said of Saccomano, “Scott was not only a great educator, but he was a great colleague. His personality filled the room and he brought great joy to all of those who got to know him.” Interim Dean Justine Reel added, “Our hearts go out to Dr. Saccomano’s family and friends during this difficult time. He was one in a million and will be deeply missed.”

Grief support is available to UNCW students through the University Counseling Center. Support for faculty and staff is available through UNCW’s Employee Assistance Program and Ginger, an app offered in partnership with the UNC System that provides confidential, on-demand emotional and mental health support.