The Search for SMCM’s Eighth President

Presidential Search Update from the Board of Trustees Chair

Dear SMCM Community:

I am pleased to share an update on our search for the next president of SMCM.

First, I sincerely thank the Presidential Search Committee members for their commitment and thoughtful deliberation to get us to this pivotal point in the process. Their work exemplifies The St. Mary’s Way and makes me proud to be a Seahawk. After reviewing nearly 100 applicants, the committee’s work is now complete as they have selected three outstanding external candidates to move forward.

Chaired by Trustee Ray Wernecke, the committee has worked tirelessly to ensure a rigorous selection process. Its members include:

• Nicolas Abrams ’99, Trustee
• Dinush Athauda ’26, Student and SGA Vice President
• Donny Bryan ’73, Trustee
• Susan Dyer, Trustee
• Todd Eberly, Professor of Political Science and Faculty Senate President
• Kate Fritz ’04, Trustee and Alumni Association President
• Sven Erik Holmes, Trustee
• Ayse Ikizler, Associate Professor of Psychology
• Kimberly B. Kelley, Trustee
• Elizabeth Leininger, Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Neuroscience
• E. Jenell Sargent, Associate Vice President of Information Technology & CIO
• Marsha Williams, Community Member and Adjunct Instructor
• John J. Bell ’95, Chair, Board of Trustees (ex-officio)

The search process for college presidents has evolved over the years, and I want to share next steps for your awareness.

As we were advised by our search firm WittKieffer, to attract top candidates common practice now dictates a closed process that does not include a campus visit. While we recognize the importance of confidentiality, Committee Chair Ray Wernecke and I felt strongly that campus engagement was critical. As a result, each finalist will visit the College to meet with select faculty, staff, students and Trustees—all of whom will sign non-disclosure agreements—to provide confidential feedback to inform the Board of Trustees’ final decision.

The Board is committed to choosing a leader who will unite and inspire our community and is confident that the interaction between our candidates and campus community representatives will help us execute this most important duty. We anticipate announcing the eighth president of St. Mary’s College by the end of March.

Thank you to everyone who has participated in listening sessions, submitted nominations and shared insights throughout this process. Your engagement has been invaluable, and I know I speak for the Board when I say we are most grateful as we look forward to this exciting new chapter.

All my best,

John J. Bell ‘95
Chair, SMCM Board of Trustees