MaryAnn Baenninger is set to become Drew University's first woman president, effective July 21, in the school's 147-year history. Baenninger will replace interim president Vivian A. Bull, a former economics professor and president emerita of Linfield College in Oregon.
The psychology professor is currently serving in the same role at the College of Saint Benedict in Minnesota since 2004. Prior to her stint at the private liberal arts college in St. Joseph, Minn., Baenninger worked as the executive associate director with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in Philadelphia and a tenured faculty member at The College of New Jersey. She serves on the board of trustees for the American University of Sharjah.
Baenninger is grateful and thrilled to lead the University as its next president.
"Drew's aspirations and goals are a direct match for my experience and for the aspects of higher education that are especially dear to my heart," Baenninger said in a statement. "It will be a privilege to be its leader."
Baenninger has pledged to preserve Drew's academic excellence as a liberal arts institution, raise the school's profile, introduce capital projects and increase international student population on campus.
"She's a brilliant scholar who represents the best overall match to our candidate profile," said university trustee William M. Freeman, who led the presidential search committee.
Under her leadership, the Minnesota College introduced and expanded study abroad programs; oversaw multiple construction projects; attracted international students in huge numbers; supported undergraduate research and doubled the school's endowment.
Baenninger earned her BA and PhD in psychology from Temple University.