ST. MARY’S CITY, Md. — Rhonda G. Phillips, PhD, officially assumed the role of eighth president of St. Mary’s College of Maryland (SMCM) on July 1, 2025, following her selection by the SMCM Board of Trustees. The appointment, effective today, marks the culmination of a four-month national search to succeed Tuajuanda C. Jordan, PhD, who retired in June 2025 after 11 years as president.
“I’m thrilled that after a rigorous national search, the board has voted unanimously to appoint Dr. Phillips as the 8th President of SMCM,” said John J. Bell ’95, chair of the SMCM Board of Trustees. “Her passion for the public liberal arts, distinguished service building honors programs, and hands-on approach to leadership are but a few of the qualities that made her the clear choice for this moment. I, along with my fellow trustees, are excited to welcome Dr. Phillips when she officially joins us on July 1st.”
The selection process, guided by a 14-member search committee led by Trustee Ray Wernecke, involved trustees, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community members. A national search firm assisted in identifying candidates, with the full Board of Trustees participating in the final decision. Phillips emerged as the unanimous choice due to her extensive leadership experience and alignment with SMCM’s mission as the National Public Honors College.
“As the National Public Honors College, St. Mary’s College of Maryland is an exemplar in liberal arts and sciences education, combining learning, discovery and engagement opportunities in a transformative environment,” Phillips said. “I’m eager to work with the trustees, faculty, students, staff and community partners to further elevate SMCM’s excellence and recognition for its exceptional value-added educational experience.”
Phillips succeeds Jordan, who elevated SMCM’s profile during her tenure. Jordan oversaw the construction of four major campus facilities, navigated the college through the COVID-19 pandemic, and implemented a real-dollar tuition reduction to enhance accessibility. She also established the Commemorative to Enslaved Peoples of Southern Maryland, an award-winning initiative addressing historical inequities.
Before joining SMCM, Phillips served as president of Chatham University in Pittsburgh, where she restructured operations to ensure long-term financial stability. Her leadership at Chatham included expanding NCAA Division III athletic programs, strengthening community partnerships, and improving alumni engagement, which reduced operating deficits and bolstered fundraising efforts.
Phillips’ career spans higher education and community economic development, with a focus on honors education. She was the inaugural dean of the John Martinson Honors College at Purdue University, leading it to recognition as one of the top 20 honors colleges in the U.S. Previously, she served as associate dean of Barrett, The Honors College at Arizona State University and held faculty roles at the University of Southern Mississippi, where she directed the planning program.
Phillips holds a PhD in city and regional planning from Georgia Tech, where she was the first woman to earn the degree, along with master’s degrees in economics (Georgia Tech) and economic development (University of Southern Mississippi). Her undergraduate degree is a B.S. in geography from Southern Mississippi. She has authored or edited over 30 academic books, including the textbook “Introduction to Community Development,” and is founding co-editor of two journals in her field.
Her accolades include being an American Council on Education Fellow, a three-time Fulbright recipient, and the 2024 Duane L. Gibson Distinguished Service Award from the Community Development Society. Phillips is married to Dr. Mark M. Miller, professor emeritus of geography and economic development at the University of Southern Mississippi. The couple, parents to adult children and grandparents, plans to relocate to Southern Maryland and engage with the SMCM community.
SMCM, located in St. Mary’s City, serves approximately 1,500 students and is known for its commitment to liberal arts and sciences. Phillips’ presidency begins as the college seeks to build on its academic excellence and community engagement reputation. Her experience in financial restructuring and honors education positions her to advance SMCM’s strategic goals.
The transition to Phillips’ leadership follows a period of growth under Jordan, who strengthened SMCM’s infrastructure and accessibility. The Board of Trustees expressed confidence in Phillips’ ability to continue this trajectory, citing her collaborative approach and proven track record in higher education.
