Dr. Glynis Fitzgerald, a servant leader with more than 25 years of experience in public and private universities, will be the eighth president of College of Saint Mary.
The CSM Board of Directors announced the appointment following a national search. Dr. Fitzgerald will take office July 1, succeeding Dr. Maryanne Stevens, RSM, who will retire after 27 years as CSM president.
“I am humbled and honored by the opportunity I’ve been given to join the College of Saint Mary community. I look forward to working alongside the college’s talented and dedicated faculty, staff, administrators, and friends to accomplish our collective goal of boldly creating new opportunities for more women,” Dr. Fitzgerald said. “I am drawn to the college’s enduring commitment to the liberal arts and innovation in the professions that prepares today’s students to meet tomorrow’s needs.”
For the past three years, Dr. Fitzgerald has served as senior vice president and provost for Alvernia University, a private Catholic institution in Reading, Pa.
During that time, she led Alvernia University through heightened challenges, including the coronavirus pandemic and fiscal constraints faced by the institution due to low enrollment. Dr. Fitzgerald led the reorganization of the university into four colleges, resulting in $2 million in savings with no elimination of academic programs.
Prior to that, Dr. Fitzgerald served as associate vice president of academic affairs and dean for the school of graduate studies at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, Conn., where she served as an academic liaison to the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, co-chaired the 10-year self-study, served on the steering committee, working with faculty, staff and deans to write an accurate, current assessment and plan for the future of the university.
Dr. Fitzgerald has a bachelor’s degree in speech communication with a concentration in public relations and a minor in theater from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, and master’s and doctorate degrees in communication from State University of New York at Buffalo.
As the next president, Dr. Fitzgerald will join College of Saint Mary at a time of significant momentum. She will have the opportunity to shape the future of CSM, building on its deep commitment to academic excellence and its uncompromising commitment to social justice rooted in its Catholic and Sisters of Mercy foundations.
Dr. Fitzgerald was selected following a nationwide search with assistance from Storbeck Search. CSM Board Secretary Dr. Melissa Kean, J.D., retired centennial historian at Rice University, chaired the search committee, which included current board members, faculty, staff, and alumnae. The search was launched shortly after Dr. Maryanne Stevens’ February 2022 announcement of her intention to retire.
“Dr. Fitzgerald’s experience prepares her to work closely with the entire community to propel the institution forward, to foster its mission, to support its academic distinction, and cultivate resources to effect innovative growth,” Dr. Kean said.
CSM Board Chair and Alumna Sue Weiler-Doke is excited to begin working with the new president.
“Dr. Fitzgerald is coming to CSM with a great appreciation for our past, a hands-on focus for where we are now, and a mission-centric approach to thoughts for our future,” Weiler-Doke said. “She brings enthusiasm for opportunity and a down-to-earth leadership style. Dr. Fitzgerald will be a welcome addition to CSM as well as the greater Omaha community.”
As she prepares to become the next president, Dr. Fitzgerald acknowledged Dr. Stevens and CSM’s strong history.
“College of Saint Mary has been exceptionally well led under President Stevens’ leadership,” Dr. Fitzgerald said. “I pledge to continue this responsible stewardship while maximizing the use of resources to advance the College’s mission. I look forward to immersing myself in the CSM community and engaging with partner institutions in Omaha and beyond. I approach this role with a firm commitment to listen, learn, respect the long-standing traditions and timeless values, and work collaboratively, transparently, and joyfully with everyone who makes College of Saint Mary so special.”
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