St. Mary’s College of Maryland, the National Public Honors College, seeks a visionary, collaborative and student-centered leader to serve as its eighth president.
St. Mary’s College of Maryland (SMCM) offers an undergraduate public liberal arts education and small-college experience like those found at the country’s exceptional residential liberal arts colleges and shares many of the hallmarks of private institutions: an outstanding faculty, talented students, high academic standards, a challenging curriculum, small classes, a sense of community and a spirit of intellectual inquiry. As a state-supported institution of higher education, SMCM is also committed to the ideals of affordability, accessibility and diversity. By combining these virtues of public and private education, the College provides a unique alternative for students and their families. The Honors College Promise guarantees every student the opportunity to participate in research, internship or international experiences. The College is the nation’s first public honors college and ranks in the top five public liberal arts colleges in the country. SMCM students have among the highest four-year graduation rates and lowest average debt among graduates of Maryland public four-year institutions.
SMCM was founded in 1840 as a living monument to the place it marks: the 17th-century capital of Maryland. The spectacular waterfront campus is in the heart of the Chesapeake Bay region, 75 miles southeast of Washington, D.C., and 97 miles south of Baltimore. The College is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and is a member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC), offering the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in Teaching degrees in 65 academic programs. Its 120 full-time faculty members and 264 staff serve approximately 1,600 students.
SMCM’s next president will build upon the achievements of Dr. Tuajuanda C. Jordan’s decade of leadership, which has brought the College growth in enrollment, curricular offerings and local partnerships. The next president will work with the board, faculty, staff and the community to address the College’s top priorities. The president will be a fierce advocate for a public liberal arts education, with exceptional communication skills that will engage a broad range of audiences in solidifying the importance of a liberal arts education in the 21st century. The new president will also play a significant role in ensuring that the College’s resources are advancing its strategic priorities, while establishing a strong financial position for the future. As the College’s chief fundraiser, the president will deepen relationships with alumni, friends, the local community and philanthropies, inspiring these key constituents to invest in SMCM’s future. Further, the new president will be a compelling advocate who works to enhance the College’s visibility and recognition regionally, nationally and beyond. The next president will be committed to expanding the College’s presence and engagement as an important partner in the economic and cultural vitality of the county and State.
The next president will also be a champion for and bring a deep understanding and commitment to the mission and vision of SMCM. The College seeks a president with vision, intellectual stature, a collaborative leadership style, exceptional communication skills and the energy and passion needed to lead this distinctive institution into its very promising future.
All applications, nominations and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the responsibilities and requirements described in the leadership profile.
For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by December 9, 2024.
Applications, nominations and inquiries can be directed to the WittKieffer consultants supporting this search: Robin Mamlet, Lauren Bruce-Stets and Randi Miller at SMCMPresident@wittkieffer.com.
The anticipated salary range for this position is expected to be $400,000 to $650,000, depending upon experience. St. Mary’s College offers a strong benefits package. Details can be found here.
St. Mary’s College of Maryland is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.
