{"id":1784,"date":"2026-04-16T13:15:25","date_gmt":"2026-04-16T13:15:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/president\/?page_id=1784"},"modified":"2026-04-17T22:44:40","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T22:44:40","slug":"inauguration","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/president\/inauguration\/","title":{"rendered":"Inauguration of President Rhonda Phillips"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"pl-1784\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-1784-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"siteorigin-panels-stretch panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-1784-0\" data-stretch-type=\"full\" ><div id=\"pgc-1784-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1784-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-1784-0-0-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<h2 style=\"font-size: 2.5em; color: white; font-family: Baskerville;\">2026 Presidential Inauguration -<br \/>\nExcellence Reimagined<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 1.5em; color: white; font-family: Baskerville; margin-bottom: 1em;\">Rhonda G. Phillips, Ph.D., FAICP was formally installed as<br \/>\nSt. Mary's College of Maryland's 8th President on April 17, 2026<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-1784-0-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1784-0-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-image so-widget-sow-image-default-c67d20f9f743-1784\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"sow-image-container\">\n\t\t<img \n\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/04\/DSC03574-2-e1776462380514.jpg\" width=\"400\" height=\"521\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/04\/DSC03574-2-e1776462380514.jpg 547w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/04\/DSC03574-2-e1776462380514-307x400.jpg 307w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/04\/DSC03574-2-e1776462380514-192x250.jpg 192w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" title=\"DSC03574-2\" alt=\"A woman in academic regalia with a black cap, blue gown with black and gold trim, and a medal, standing against a light background.\" \t\tclass=\"so-widget-image\"\/>\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-1784-1\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-1784-1-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1784-1-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"2\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-1784-1-0-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<div style=\"display: flex; justify-content: center; padding-bottom: 0; padding-top: 1em;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center; font-family: Baskerville; font-size: 1.4em; font-weight: 400; max-width: 900px; opacity: 0.9; text-transform: uppercase; color: #00205C;\">St. Mary\u2019s College of Maryland is the National Public Honors College and the Highest-Ranked Civilian Public Liberal Arts College<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<hr style=\"color: #00205C;\" \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-1784-2\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-1784-2-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1784-2-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-image panel-first-child\" data-index=\"3\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-image so-widget-sow-image-default-c67d20f9f743-1784\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"sow-image-container\">\n\t\t<img \n\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/04\/DSC03335-400x400.jpg\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/04\/DSC03335-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/04\/DSC03335-250x250.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/04\/DSC03335.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" alt=\"A person in academic regalia stands at a podium labeled &quot;St. Mary&#039;s College of Maryland,&quot; raising their hands and speaking enthusiastically at a formal event.\" \t\tclass=\"so-widget-image\"\/>\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-1784-2-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_smcm-button panel-last-child\" data-index=\"4\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-smcm-button so-widget-smcm-button-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"smcm-cta-container\"><a class=\"smcm-cta-button red\" style=\"max-width: 100%; width: 100%;\" href=\"https:\/\/inside.smcm.edu\/news\/2026\/04\/inauguration-rhonda-phillips\">Read the Press Release<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-1784-2-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1784-2-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-image panel-first-child\" data-index=\"5\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-image so-widget-sow-image-default-c67d20f9f743-1784\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"sow-image-container\">\n\t\t<img \n\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/04\/DSC03514-400x400.jpg\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/04\/DSC03514-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/04\/DSC03514-250x250.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/04\/DSC03514.jpg 667w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" alt=\"A person in a blue academic gown and cap stands outside a building, smiling and holding out their arms, as people nearby clap and cheer.\" \t\tclass=\"so-widget-image\"\/>\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-1784-2-1-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_smcm-button panel-last-child\" data-index=\"6\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-smcm-button so-widget-smcm-button-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"smcm-cta-container\"><a class=\"smcm-cta-button red\" style=\"max-width: 100%; width: 100%;\" href=\"https:\/\/inside.smcm.edu\/news\/2026\/04\/value-people-purpose-and-place\">President's Inaugural Address<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-1784-3\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-1784-3-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1784-3-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_smcm-quote panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"7\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-smcm-quote so-widget-smcm-quote-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"smcm-quote navy\"><div><p>\"The value and purpose of this college is not found in any one feature, but in the way it all comes together: a deep sense of connection, a commitment to academic excellence, and a shared belief in the distinctiveness and diversity of this community.\"<\/p><p class=\"quote-attribution\">- President Rhonda G. Phillips, Ph.D., FAICP<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-1784-4\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-1784-4-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1784-4-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_smcm-title panel-first-child\" data-index=\"8\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-smcm-title so-widget-smcm-title-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><h2 class=\"smcm-section-title navy\" style=\"text-align: center;\">Scenes from <strong>Inauguration Week<\/strong><\/h2><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-1784-4-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-image-grid panel-last-child\" data-index=\"9\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-image-grid so-widget-sow-image-grid-default-8bf08a9600e8-1784\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\t<div\n\t\tclass=\"sow-image-grid-wrapper\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-image-grid-image\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"334\" src=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/04\/DSC03302-500x334.jpg\" class=\"sow-image-grid-image_html\" alt=\"A woman in academic regalia with a medal around her neck stands in front of a purple backdrop featuring a ship and university seal.&quot;\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/04\/DSC03302-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/04\/DSC03302-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/04\/DSC03302-272x182.jpg 272w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/04\/DSC03302.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-image-grid-image\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"334\" src=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/04\/DSC03532-500x334.jpg\" class=\"sow-image-grid-image_html\" alt=\"A group of people, some in academic regalia, pose outside a modern building. Two hold a trophy and flash peace signs. It is sunny and everyone is smiling.&quot;\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/04\/DSC03532-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/04\/DSC03532-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/04\/DSC03532-272x182.jpg 272w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/04\/DSC03532.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-image-grid-image\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"334\" src=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/04\/DSC03606-500x334.jpg\" class=\"sow-image-grid-image_html\" alt=\"Eight people, seven in police uniforms and one in academic regalia, stand in a line inside a bright building with large windows and chairs in the background.&quot;\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/04\/DSC03606-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/04\/DSC03606-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/04\/DSC03606-272x182.jpg 272w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/04\/DSC03606.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-image-grid-image\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"336\" src=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/04\/DSC_2196-Edit-500x336.jpg\" class=\"sow-image-grid-image_html\" alt=\"A group of people in academic regalia stand on a stage during a graduation ceremony, smiling and clapping.&quot;\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/04\/DSC_2196-Edit-500x336.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/04\/DSC_2196-Edit-300x202.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/04\/DSC_2196-Edit-272x182.jpg 272w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/04\/DSC_2196-Edit.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-1784-5\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-1784-5-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1784-5-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child\" data-index=\"10\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<div style=\"display: flex; justify-content: center;\">\n<a data-flickr-embed=\"true\" href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/st_marys_college_md\/albums\/72177720333137010\" title=\"The Inauguration of President Rhonda Phillips\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/live.staticflickr.com\/65535\/55212228417_43854f7eb8.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" alt=\"The Inauguration of President Rhonda Phillips\"\/><\/a><script async src=\"\/\/embedr.flickr.com\/assets\/client-code.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-1784-5-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_smcm-button panel-last-child\" data-index=\"11\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-smcm-button so-widget-smcm-button-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"smcm-cta-container\"><a class=\"smcm-cta-button red\" style=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/st_marys_college_md\/albums\/72177720333137010\/\">View all Photos from Inauguration Week<i class=\"fa-solid fa-arrow-up-right-from-square\" style=\"color: #e9e9e9;\"><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-1784-6\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div id=\"schedule\" class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-1784-6\" ><div id=\"pgc-1784-6-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1784-6-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_smcm-title panel-first-child\" data-index=\"12\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-smcm-title so-widget-smcm-title-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><h2 class=\"smcm-section-title navy\" style=\"text-align: center;\">Inauguration Week <strong>Recap<\/strong><\/h2><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-1784-6-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_siteorigin-panels-builder panel-last-child\" data-index=\"13\" ><div id=\"pl-w69e2a2c02bcd9\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-w69e2a2c02bcd9-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-w69e2a2c02bcd9-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w69e2a2c02bcd9-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-image panel-first-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-image so-widget-sow-image-default-8b5b6f678277\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"sow-image-container\">\n\t\t<img \n\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/04\/55213284088_f599a74041_c.jpg\" width=\"799\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/04\/55213284088_f599a74041_c.jpg 799w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/04\/55213284088_f599a74041_c-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/04\/55213284088_f599a74041_c-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/04\/55213284088_f599a74041_c-272x182.jpg 272w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 799px) 100vw, 799px\" alt=\"A woman and a man stand facing each other, holding hands and talking, with a grand piano in the foreground.\" \t\tclass=\"so-widget-image\"\/>\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-w69e2a2c02bcd9-0-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-image panel-last-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-image so-widget-sow-image-default-8b5b6f678277\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"sow-image-container\">\n\t\t<img \n\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/04\/55212230002_b167b62754_c.jpg\" width=\"799\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/04\/55212230002_b167b62754_c.jpg 799w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/04\/55212230002_b167b62754_c-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/04\/55212230002_b167b62754_c-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/04\/55212230002_b167b62754_c-272x182.jpg 272w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 799px) 100vw, 799px\" alt=\"Four people sit in chairs on a stage having a panel discussion; one man speaks into a microphone while the others listen.\" \t\tclass=\"so-widget-image\"\/>\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-w69e2a2c02bcd9-0-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w69e2a2c02bcd9-0-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"2\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>Inauguration Week kicked off with a Spirit Celebration at Jamie L. Roberts Stadium where all of our student athletes came out ready for a Gold Rush with their Seahawk pride and community spirit!<\/p>\n<p>On Wednesday, The Boyden Gallery opened a Campus-Wide Exhibition: A Walking Tour to \"Liberate the Arts\". The walking tour of campus celebrated the arts as a cornerstone of a liberal arts education and emphasizes campus creativity and collaboration.<\/p>\n<p>Thursday Night at the Dodge Performing Arts Center, we hosted Excellence Reimagined: Honors Colleges in the Future of Liberal Arts Education. This faculty panel discussed how to bridge the gap between traditional academic rigor and future-focused skill development, ensuring Honors programs remain transformative centers of learning. It featured SMCM professors <a href=\"https:\/\/inside.smcm.edu\/directory\/tristan-cai\">Tristan Cai<\/a> (Art), <a href=\"https:\/\/inside.smcm.edu\/directory\/andrew-j-cognard-black\">Andrew Cognard-Black<\/a> (Sociology), and <a href=\"https:\/\/inside.smcm.edu\/directory\/elizabeth-hamman\">Elizabeth Hamman<\/a> (Biology), the panel was moderated by Dr. Nicola Foote, Dean of the David C. Frederick Honors College at University of Pittsburgh and renowned expert in honors education.<\/p>\n<p>Friday closed out the week with our Inauguration Ceremony. The ceremony started with choral music featuring St.Mary's Singers, SMCM students directed by <a href=\"https:\/\/inside.smcm.edu\/directory\/brittany-chanell-johnson\">Assistant Professor of Music Brittany Johnson<\/a> in the Concert Hall of the Dodge Performing Arts Center. The event, rich with academic tradition, included the investiture where she received the presidential medallion and delivered her inaugural address focused on fostering innovation and community engagement. Congressman Steny H. Hoyer, U.S. Representative for Maryland\u2019s 5th Congressional District was the keynote speaker. The Honorable Steny Hoyer is a long-standing member of the Board of Trustees and supporter of St. Mary's College of Maryland. We also had an event performance by the SMCM Jazz Trio, directed by Assistant Professor of Music <a href=\"https:\/\/inside.smcm.edu\/directory\/ellington-carthan\">Ellington Carthan<\/a>. After the ceremony guests and friends joined the president at a reception to celebrate the inauguration of our 8th president and the next chapter of St. Mary\u2019s College of Maryland.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-1784-7\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-1784-7-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1784-7-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child\" data-index=\"14\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Watch the Inauguration<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-1784-7-0-1\" class=\"widget_text so-panel widget widget_custom_html panel-last-child\" data-index=\"15\" ><div class=\"textwidget custom-html-widget\"><div style=\"display: flex; align-items: center; flex-direction: column;\">\n\t<iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/qkAwRogOhrA?si=Px7XdVOSPd19UGVx\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-1784-7-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1784-7-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child\" data-index=\"16\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Watch the Faculty Panel<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-1784-7-1-1\" class=\"widget_text so-panel widget widget_custom_html panel-last-child\" data-index=\"17\" ><div class=\"textwidget custom-html-widget\"><div style=\"display: flex; align-items: center; flex-direction: column;\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/GicW1VtQuEc?si=kXSGLFXt314qFGL6\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-1784-8\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div id=\"aboutpresident\" class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-1784-8\" ><div id=\"pgc-1784-8-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1784-8-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_smcm-title panel-first-child\" data-index=\"18\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-smcm-title so-widget-smcm-title-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><h2 class=\"smcm-section-title navy\" style=\"\">About <strong>President Phillips<\/strong><\/h2><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-1784-8-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-last-child\" data-index=\"19\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>President Rhonda Phillips earned her bachelor\u2019s degree of geography and her master\u2019s degree of economic development at the University of Southern Mississippi. She applied those degrees to her first professional positions with the City of Birmingham, Alabama, then at the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the International Development Research Council. She earned a M.S. Economics degree and a Ph.D. in City and Regional Planning from the Georgia Institute of Technology\u2014the first woman to earn that doctorate. Dr. Phillips returned to the University of Southern Mississippi for her first academic professional position, as Director of the Community Planning Program in the Department of Geography and Economic Development. She gained further academic experience at Arizona State University, then as founding Dean of the John Martinson Honors College at Purdue University as well as Professor of Agricultural Economics. As President of Chatham University in Pittsburgh, Dr. Phillips helped stabilize the future of that historic institution.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-1784-8-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1784-8-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"20\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-image so-widget-sow-image-default-c67d20f9f743-1784\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"sow-image-container\">\n\t\t<img \n\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/04\/Rhonda23_01edit-267x400.jpg\" width=\"267\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/04\/Rhonda23_01edit-267x400.jpg 267w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/04\/Rhonda23_01edit-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/04\/Rhonda23_01edit-167x250.jpg 167w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/04\/Rhonda23_01edit.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 267px) 100vw, 267px\" alt=\"A woman with curly red hair and bangs, wearing a white blazer over a light blue top, smiles at the camera against a plain light background.\" \t\tclass=\"so-widget-image\"\/>\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-1784-9\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-1784-9-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1784-9-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"21\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>During her academic career President Phillips was named a three-time Fulbright recipient including as a UK Ulster Policy Fellow in Northern Ireland; a Fellow of the American Institute of Certified Planners; and a Fellow of the American Council on Education. President Phillips is a passionate advocate for the vital roles of honors learning; the liberal arts, sciences, fine arts, and athletics; and interdisciplinary teaching and research within academies of higher education. She is a dedicated advocate for the vital contribution of higher education to the personal growth and career development of her students\u2014as well as the social, economic, and environmental progress of our communities. She seeks to exemplify those values within her own teaching, research, and academic leadership as President of St. Mary\u2019s College of Maryland.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>2026 Presidential Inauguration &#8211; Excellence Reimagined Rhonda G. Phillips, Ph.D., FAICP was formally installed as St. Mary&#8217;s College of Maryland&#8217;s 8th President on April 17, 2026 St. Mary\u2019s College of Maryland is the National Public Honors College and the Highest-Ranked Civilian Public Liberal Arts College<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":245,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":{"0":"post-1784","1":"page","2":"type-page","3":"status-publish","5":"entry"},"acf":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/president\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1784","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/president\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/president\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/president\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/245"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/president\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1784"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/president\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1784\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1836,"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/president\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1784\/revisions\/1836"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/president\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1784"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}