Saint Mary's President Carol Ann Mooney to retire in May 2016
June 22, 2015 (Notre Dame, IN)—President Carol Ann Mooney announced today that she plans to retire as Saint Mary's College’s 11th president. She will have led Saint Mary’s for 12 years as its first lay alumna president and solidified the College’s reputation as a leading liberal arts college. She will leave office when her contract ends on May 31, 2016.
"The Board is exceptionally grateful for all that Carol has accomplished during her tenure as president," said Chair of the Board Mary L. Burke '85. "Her most lasting legacy will be the Faith Always, Action Now campaign, the most successful capital campaign in our history, raising $105 million which will benefit generations of future Saint Mary's students through scholarships and improved facilities."
President Carol Ann Mooney '72
announced today that she will retire
at the end of her contract, May 31, 2016.
(Photo by Matt Cashore)President Mooney set forth her ambitious vision for Saint Mary’s early in her presidency. She wrote in her first strategic plan that her goal was to aggressively move the College forward and she did just that.
Among her many accomplishments are the formation of three new graduate programs that were announced earlier this year. The College’s endowment increased to over $160 million in spite of one of the greatest recessions in our country’s history. She pledged to increase student diversity and the College has increased the student body from historically underrepresented groups from 9% to 19%. She also saw the establishment of the Belles Against Violence Office (BAVO) to support and educate students on sexual and dating violence.
The physical campus expanded under her leadership with the construction of Spes Unica Hall, and the renovation of Madeleva Hall and Science Hall. In addition, her leadership on many national boards, including her time as chair of the Women’s College Coalition, was done with one purpose, to enhance the College’s national reputation.
In her final academic year, President Mooney will oversee the College's reaccreditation with the Higher Learning Commission, complete fundraising for the Angela Athletic and Wellness Complex, and obtain approval of a new master plan for the campus. Another priority during her last year as President will be to chair the newly announced Presidential Task Force on Sexual Violence, which will be made up of students, faculty and staff members. The task force will recommend ways to further improve the College's efforts to prevent sexual assault and misconduct and to assist and support student survivors of sexual assault.
The Board has begun the process of succession planning to ensure an orderly and transparent transition of leadership. Academic Search, Inc., a nationally recognized firm, has been hired to assist with the search for the next president. A search committee will be announced after the beginning of the academic year and it will include representatives from the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, alumnae, and students.
"We are profoundly indebted to Carol for all she has accomplished for Saint Mary's during her tenure as our President,” said Burke. “Her tireless efforts have made Saint Mary's financially and academically stronger, and more diverse. Saint Mary’s College, under her leadership, educates its students to make a difference in the world. We extend our thanks to Carol, and her husband George, and offer only our best wishes as they enter the next phase of their lives.”
About Saint Mary's College: Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Ind., is a four-year, Catholic, residential, women’s liberal arts college offering five bachelor’s degrees and more than 30 major areas of study, such as business, nursing, art, chemistry, and social work. In the fall of 2015 Saint Mary’s College will begin to offer two graduate degrees: a Master of Science and a Doctorate. All programs that fall under these degrees are co-educational and include a Master of Science in Data Science, a Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology, and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice. Founded in 1844 by the Sisters of the Holy Cross, Saint Mary’s College seeks, according to its mission statement, to educate students, develop their talents, and prepare them to make a difference in the world. Saint Mary’s College ranks among the top 100 Best National Liberal Arts Colleges for 2015 published by U.S. News & World Report.
Contact for News Media: Gwen O’Brien, director of media relations, Saint Mary’s College, gobrien@saintmarys.edu (574) 284-4579