May 10, 2024
Dear St. Mary’s College Community:
Ten years ago, I stood before this community and said “now is the time”—the time to become a model of what higher education can achieve. The time for us, the invisible, to become visible.
Now, a decade later, I stand before you to share that it is time for me to announce my intention to retire in June 2025. Now is the time for us to take stock of what we have accomplished over the past ten years, understand what it means for us in this ever-evolving world, and harness that momentum to propel this institution boldly into the future.
What an incredible journey this has been. Through three strategic plans, we have emerged LEADing the way, demonstrating the transformative power of a public liberal arts education. We are creating an inclusive, all-honors academic experience that integrates professional skill development and multi-disciplinary engagement for all students. Our graduates emerge as thinkers and doers, agile leaders and sought-after professionals. St. Mary’s College has become the college of choice for countless students, families, alumni, donors, community partners and others who believe in us like never before.
I am immensely proud of our shared accomplishments including the increasing diversity of our student body, steady enrollment growth, curricular and co-curricular innovations, the focus on an expanding campus culture where everyone can thrive, and deeper partnerships with the broader community. All the while, we have adjusted our tuition increases to the point where we now charge less than we did in 2013. Our new buildings and infrastructure add vibrancy and energy to the St. Mary’s College experience. I am deeply grateful and humbled to stand before the Commemorative to Enslaved Peoples of Southern Maryland, a lasting legacy that will inspire future generations.
We have weathered the pandemic, emerging stronger and more resilient. We have united to confront tough challenges, always prioritizing safety, health and inclusivity for our College community. Together, we have strengthened our identity, achieved unprecedented fundraising success, and bolstered our reputation.
In the coming months, we will have ample time to reflect and carefully plan this transition. For now, I look forward to another year of leading our great College, actualizing The Rising Tide strategic plan. With a presidential election on the horizon and ongoing global unrest, we must stand by our students—listening, valuing diverse perspectives, engaging in thoughtful debate and embodying The St. Mary’s Way.
I once read that a leader knows when her work is done. In making that decision, she should ask herself three questions: Am I leaving the institution in a better place than I found it? Have I done no harm? Can I leave whole? I can answer “yes” to all three and know that now is my time to pass the baton.
Thank you for the extraordinary opportunity and profound honor to work alongside you in our journey to become The National Public Honors College. We are hidden no longer. I eagerly anticipate what we will achieve together over the next 13 months and what you do beyond.
With gratitude,
Tuajuanda C. Jordan, President
St. Mary’s College of Maryland
