ST. MARY’S CITY — The St. Mary’s College of Maryland Board of Trustees approved several key items at its regularly scheduled meeting on May 15, including a new strategic plan and a proposal for an undergraduate public health major.
The board also approved 400 candidates for the upcoming commencement. President Rhonda Phillips, in her first academic year leading the institution, described the college’s purpose as clear and noted support from internal and external stakeholders. “The overall goal is to position SMCM for thriving now and into the future,” Phillips said.
The board approved the three-year strategic plan titled “Reimagining Excellence: Honors at the Helm.” The plan succeeds “The Rising Tide” strategic plan, which ends June 30. It draws from the 2025 Middle States Reaffirmation process and feedback gathered during Phillips’ 100-Day Listening Tour and other channels.
A team led by Anne Marie Brady, assistant vice president of institutional research and planning, reviewed the input and refined the plan. It received prior approval from the Faculty Senate, Student Government Association and Staff Senate. Phillips said the plan is designed to drive measurable progress each year while remaining adaptable. “The higher education environment is evolving and changing rapidly given the advent of AI and pressures from rising costs, demographic cliff, etc.,” Phillips said. “Having a plan in place that is both adaptive and flexible will aid St. Mary’s in responding to changes.”
The board unanimously recommended a proposal for a new undergraduate public health major. The proposal now advances to the Maryland Higher Education Commission for final approval. The Academic Affairs Committee noted that the major would build on existing academic strengths and draw from courses and faculty expertise across departments, including biology, sociology, psychology and environmental studies. The multidisciplinary structure is intended to give students a broad foundation in public health concepts and practices.
The board approved the preliminary current fund operating budget for fiscal year 2027. It also endorsed a five-year state capital budget proposal covering fiscal years 2028 through 2032. The capital proposal includes funding for the design and renovation of Montgomery Hall, campus infrastructure improvements and the Schaefer Hall Laboratory & Greenhouse Replacement.
St. Mary’s College of Maryland operates as the state’s public honors college in St. Mary’s City. The approved items address academic program development, long-term planning and facility needs on the campus located in southern St. Mary’s County. The public health major proposal responds to documented student interest and aligns with workforce needs in health-related fields. Capital projects target maintenance and upgrades to academic and support buildings.
