ST. MARY’S CITY, MD — May 9, 2025 — The St. Mary’s College of Maryland Board of Trustees approved a slate of key initiatives during its meeting on Friday, May 9, including candidates for the 2025 graduating class, a $102.8 million state capital budget plan, and updates to college policies. The board also honored retiring President Tuajuanda C. Jordan and five departing trustees, marking a transitional moment for the institution. The meeting highlighted the college’s achievements and its strategic focus on infrastructure, student success, and leadership continuity.
President Jordan, set to retire on June 30, delivered her final report, reflecting on her 11-year tenure and addressing national challenges. “The new federal administration has introduced so much disorder into how, what, why, and with whom we do what we do that it would be understandable for anyone to lose sight of why we devote our professional lives to the goal of higher education, arguably the great equalizer of this republic,” she said. “Thankfully, we are members of an uncommon good; a community with an unwavering devotion to our mission and an unrelenting commitment to our most precious asset and hope for the future. That hope lies in our students.” The board voted to grant Jordan emerit status, alongside departing trustees Peg Duchesne, Gail Harmon, and Sven Holmes.
The board approved degrees for 386 graduates, to be awarded at the commencement ceremony on May 10 at 10 a.m. on the Townhouse Green. U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md., 8th) will deliver the keynote address and receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. The approved fiscal year 2026-2031 state capital budget plan, totaling $102.8 million, will fund renovations of Montgomery and Schaefer Halls and other infrastructure improvements. “We mark the completion of an exceptionally successful year at the College, which included navigating the reaffirmation of accreditation, the selection of a new president, and a successful legislative session in Annapolis that saw continued strong support from Governor Moore and the Maryland General Assembly,” said John J. Bell ’95, chair of the Board of Trustees.
Infrastructure upgrades were a key focus, with the board reviewing a $3 million modernization project for Prince George Hall, set to begin May 12. The project, partially funded by $1,139,450 from the Taking the LEAD campaign, includes updated bathrooms and common areas, with designs at 50% completion. The campaign itself, concluding June 30, has raised $23.3 million, surpassing its goal. A student retention report highlighted successful programming, reinforcing the college’s commitment to academic excellence.
The board recognized five departing trustees for their service: Carlos Alcázar (2014-2025), Lex Birney (2008-2021, 2023-2025), Peg Duchesne ’77 (2004-2025), Gail Harmon (2007-2025), and Sven Erik Holmes (2011-2025). Their contributions, alongside Jordan’s leadership, were credited for the college’s progress. The board reappointed its officers, including Bell as chair, Paula Collins as vice chair, John C. Wobensmith ’93 as treasurer, and Nicolas Abrams ’99 as secretary, ensuring leadership continuity.
St. Mary’s College, Maryland’s public honors college, has prioritized modernization and student success in recent years. The capital budget plan addresses aging facilities, while the Taking the LEAD campaign has bolstered resources for scholarships and infrastructure. The commencement, featuring Raskin, underscores the college’s engagement with national leaders. Residents can learn more about campus initiatives at www.smcm.edu.
The meeting capped a year of milestones, including accreditation reaffirmation and state support. The Prince George Hall project, the first phase of residence hall upgrades, reflects a broader strategy to enhance student life. With Jordan’s retirement approaching, the board’s actions signal a focus on sustaining momentum under new leadership.
