St. Mary's College of Maryland President Tuajuanda C. Jordan. Image courtesy of St. Mary's College of Maryland
After an impactful tenure beginning in 2014, Tuajuanda C. Jordan, PhD, the president of St. Mary's College of Maryland, has announced her retirement, slated for June 30, 2025. This decision was shared during the recent Board of Trustees meeting held on May 10.
Under Jordan's leadership, St. Mary's College has seen a notable evolution, distinguishing itself as the National Public Honors College. The college's advancements have been recognized through improved national and regional rankings. "I am immensely proud of our shared accomplishments," Jordan remarked, highlighting the increased diversity and enrollment growth, alongside curricular enhancements and expanded campus culture.
Susan L. Dyer, Chair of the Board of Trustees, expressed gratitude for Jordan's transformative influence on the college, stating, "Under her leadership, St. Mary's College has flourished."
Jordan's presidency has been marked by strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing academic rigor and accessibility. Notable among these is the Learning through Experiential and Applied Discovery (LEAD) initiative, which guarantees students internships, research, or international experiences, preparing them effectively for the workforce.
The college's commitment to diversity is evident in the increasing multicultural makeup of its student body, achieving the most diverse first-year class in 2023. Moreover, St. Mary's has maintained tuition costs, countering the trend of rising tuition prices with a freeze since 2019.
Physical transformations under Jordan's leadership include significant construction projects enhancing campus facilities. Noteworthy developments include Anne Arundel Hall, Jamie L. Roberts Stadium, and the award-winning Nancy R. & Norton T. Dodge Performing Arts Center and Learning Commons.
A remarkable discovery of artifacts during the stadium's construction led to the creation of the Commemorative to Enslaved Peoples of Southern Maryland, a tribute to the history of slavery in the area.
Jordan's national influence extends beyond the college, with roles including the president of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges and board chair for Higher Education Resource Services.
Prior to her presidency at St. Mary's, Jordan was a dean and professor at Lewis & Clark College, and a faculty member at Xavier University of Louisiana. Her notable contributions to science education include her work with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Science Education Alliance program.
The search for Jordan's successor will commence soon, with plans for a campus-wide search committee led by the Board of Trustees.
No comments:
Post a Comment