Notre Dame University of Maryland announces its 15th president

Dr. Abagail “Abby” Van Vlerah was named the 15th president of Notre Dame Maryland University (NDMU) June 1. She will begin her new role July 6 after Dr. Marylou Yam, NDUM’s current president, retires June 30.

“Dr. Van Vlerah is a results-oriented leader with a strategic and collaborative approach to decision-making that enhances enrollment and retention, strengthens institutional growth, and promotes fiscal responsibility,” Cathryn Curia ’69, chair of the NDMU board of trustees, said in a statement. “We look forward to partnering with her to advance NDMU’s leadership position in providing a transformative education to 21st-century learners.”

As the current vice president for student success and institutional strategy at Manchester University in Indiana, Van Vlerah oversees more than 70 employees in student services, athletics, academic support and operations and mental health delivery. 

She joined Manchester in 2019 as its vice president for student life and interim vice president for enrollment and marketing. She previously held leadership roles at Long Island University in New York, Bowling Green State University in Ohio, Mercy College in New York, Trine University in Indiana, St. Mary’s College in Indiana and the University of Wyoming.

“She embodies the leadership qualities, breadth of experience, and demonstrated achievements that we sought for the next president of Notre Dame of Maryland University,” School Sisters of Notre Dame Sister Charmaine Krohe, class of ’75, a trustee and chair of the NDMU presidential search committee, said of Van Vlerah in a news release. “Abby’s leadership style reflects a servant’s heart and a deep commitment to social responsibility, inclusive communities, and transformative education – essential elements of the charism of our foundresses, the School Sisters of Notre Dame.”

A practicing Catholic and a graduate of St. Mary’s College, Van Vlerah said in a statement that she was “deeply aligned” with NDMU’s mission and the charism of the School Sisters of Notre Dame.

“What attracted me to Notre Dame of Maryland University was the opportunity to lead an institution where faith, justice, education and transformation are not aspirational ideals, but lived commitments,” Van Vlerah said. “My commitment to academic excellence is rooted in a deep belief in the liberal arts as the foundation for critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and lifelong learning, paired with a clear-eyed understanding of the need for market-responsive professional programs.”

Van Vlerah earned a doctorate degree in American cultural studies from BGSU, a master’s degree in American studies from the University of Wyoming and a bachelor’s degree from St. Mary’s College.  

“Institutions must reassert their value by clearly articulating how they educate the whole person, intellectually, ethically, spiritually, and practically, while embracing innovation that expands access and relevance,” Van Vlerah said. “Notre Dame of Maryland University embodies this balance.” Yam has been president of NDMU since July 1, 2014. According to the university’s website, she has led the effort to develop two five-year strategic plans, completed several capital facility projects on campus, strengthened fiscal resources, significantly expanded academic programs and launched NDMU Online.

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