Susan Mallery had published dozens of successful books when she enrolled in Seton Hill’s master's in Writing Popular Fiction Program. Today, she is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 170 novels about the relationships that define women’s lives—family, friendship, and romance. Her warm, humorous stories have been published in 28 languages, and 40 million copies have sold worldwide. 

Susan had been looking for the right master’s degree program when she discovered Seton Hill. She had an epiphany during the “amazing” program that took her writing to the next level. A foray into women's fiction led her to explore other relationships that are important to women—sisters, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, and friends. She made lasting friends as well, among them Dr. Lee Tobin McClain, professor of English and a fellow romance novelist, and classmate Jenel Looney, who as Susan’s virtual assistant handles the non-writing side of her career. To give back, Susan mentors up-and-coming writers with both their writing and marketing. Her popular Writing More workshop has helped hundreds of writers, and she has given one-on-one guidance to many. She introduces other talented authors’ books to her active social media followers—139,000 on Facebook alone. Outside of writing, she is passionate about animal welfare and has served on the board of Seattle Humane. 

Seton Hill University’s Distinguished Alumni Leadership Award, established in 1987, is one of the highest honors given to a graduate. Setonians have been named distinguished alumni for their leadership in education, business, science and technology, the arts, volunteerism and philanthropy.