St. Mary’s College of Maryland formally inaugurated Rhonda Phillips, Ph.D., FAICP, as its eighth president on April 17, 2026, during an investiture ceremony at the Nancy R. and Norton T. Dodge Performing Arts Center on the college’s campus in St. Mary’s County.
Provost Katherine Gantz presented the presidential medallion to Phillips, marking the official transfer of leadership. John J. Bell, class of 1995 and chair of the Board of Trustees, presided and delivered the presidential charge.
Bell said, “Today marks the eighth presidential investiture in the College’s history—a milestone that connects this moment to a legacy that began in 1840, here at the site of Maryland’s first capital. The College’s mission—rooted in rigorous and innovative learning, close mentorship, and a commitment to access, integrity, and service—continues to guide our work and shape the experience of our students. Today, we affirm that mission, and we look ahead with confidence.”
Phillips, who began her duties July 1, 2025, after her selection by the Board of Trustees, used her inaugural address to emphasize people, purpose and place. She highlighted the college’s role as the nation’s first standalone public honors college, ranked fifth nationally among public liberal arts colleges by U.S. News & World Report.
“Our identity as a public honors college is both a legacy and a responsibility. It calls us to uphold the rigor that defines this place while ensuring that the opportunities we offer remain within reach for the students we are here to serve,” Phillips said.
She added, “The value and purpose of this College is not found in any one feature, but in the way it all comes together: a deep sense of connection, a commitment to academic excellence, and a shared belief in the distinctiveness and diversity of this community.”
The ceremony opened with an academic procession of 160 higher education leaders from at least 15 states and Washington, D.C., along with faculty, staff, students and campus community members. Local and state officials participated, including U.S. Rep. Steny H. Hoyer, D-Md., who delivered the keynote address.
Hoyer said, “You understand as we do, that the liberal arts college remains a bulwark against liberalism, inequality and injustice. When others question the value of a liberal arts education, you will now carry the banner of St. Mary’s College and hold it up as an exemplar. As you have already started doing in your first 100 days and beyond, ask the tough questions and challenge us. Continue to make this institution, led by the St. Mary’s Way, a beacon of inquiry, discovery and wisdom for Maryland, our country and the world.”
He concluded, “Dr. Phillips, as you embark officially on your tenure as the eighth president of St. Mary’s College, I hope you will do so with the comfort and reassurance that you have our blessings and our support.”
Author and essayist W. Ralph Eubanks, faculty fellow and writer in residence at the University of Mississippi, also offered remarks. Greetings came from representatives of faculty, students, staff and alumni.
The event reflected the St. Mary’s Way through its inclusive structure and community focus. A week of related activities included the unveiling of a commissioned piece by American pop artist Burton Morris and a performance by artist-in-residence and pianist Brian Ganz for special guests on the eve of the ceremony. Brian Kelly, editor-at-large and executive vice president of U.S. News & World Report, spoke at a special luncheon.
In her address, Phillips recognized past president Tuajuanda Jordan, who was inaugurated in 2014, along with faculty, staff, students, family and friends from multiple states. She noted that her first nine months involved listening tours to understand the institution before this formal celebration.
Phillips outlined five priorities for reimagining excellence: strengthening national and international visibility; enhancing the student experience from access to outcomes; investing in campus environments and technology; building a supportive community culture; and expanding partnerships locally, statewide and beyond.
She announced a renewed Educational Partnership Agreement with Naval Air Station Patuxent River and The Patuxent Partnership, first established in 2011. The updated pact expands opportunities in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, business and other fields through research, applied learning, internships and mentoring.
The college, located in the Congressionally designated Southern Maryland National Heritage Area near Historic St. Mary’s City, emphasizes its historic roots, Chesapeake Bay setting and commitment to liberal arts education that prepares students for careers and civic engagement. Ninety percent of graduates are employed, in graduate study or engaged in service within six months of completion, one of the highest placement rates in the state.
Phillips stressed that academic excellence and access are complementary strengths at St. Mary’s, a member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges. She pointed to programs such as the Honors College Promise and LEAD initiative, which provide experiential learning, internships, study abroad and research opportunities, including prestigious awards like Fulbrights.
The ceremony closed with a reception, capping a week that brought together leaders from higher education, government, the arts and media to highlight the college’s regional impact and partnerships in Southern Maryland.
