Leadership for Saint Mary's Future

Andrew Dirksen, Ed.D.

The chief operating officer (COO) provides leadership to ensure the effective management and operational efficiency of the university. The COO oversees finance, strategic planning, infrastructure, and key initiatives that align daily operations with the university’s long-term goals. Focused on fostering innovation and continuous improvement, the COO plays a critical role in enhancing institutional sustainability and advancing the mission.

Christine Martin ’98

The chief of staff (CoS) provides oversight and overall support for the operations of the office of the president. Together with the support of the president’s cabinet and administrative staff, the CoS executes university-wide initiatives undertaken by the president.

Brother Robert Smith, FSC, B’76, Ph.D.
The senior vice president for university initiatives advises the president on a wide variety of strategic, academic, and mission-related initiatives and special projects involving the university and the president’s priorities. The individual in this role represents the president internally and externally as needed to boards, foundations, colleges and universities, and other entities with significant university relationships. The role of executive director of the Hendrickson Institute oversees all aspects of the Institute’s programming.

Ann Merchlewitz M’95, J.D.

The senior vice president serves as the university secretary to support the activities of the Board of Trustees by managing the work of the board and serving as the liaison between the board and the university administration. The general counsel oversees, identifies, and resolves legal issues within the university.

Julie Furst-Bowe, Ed.D.

The vice president for academic affairs (VPAA) provides the academic vision, leadership, direction, and evaluation for all academic activities and faculty affairs of the university. Through the deans and associate deans of their respective schools, the VPAA leads the long-range academic planning, budgeting, curriculum, enrollment, and program development for the university. In addition, the VPAA oversees all related programs, faculty affairs, and academic support functions for the university.

Michael McMahon, Ed.D.

The vice president for enrollment management (VPEM) is the executive leader for undergraduate, graduate, and online enrollment strategy and policy. The VPEM drives data-informed recruitment and financial aid initiatives, collaborating campus wide to attract a diverse, academically excellent student body.

David Ansell

The vice president for finance (VPF) is the senior financial officer responsible for the university’s fiscal management, financial planning, budget and operational financial functions. The VPF collaborates with senior leadership, unit leaders, and university committees to provide financial guidance and policy development. The VPF oversees departments accountable for budgeting, payroll, accounts payable and receivable, student accounts and collections. This role ensures compliance with Federal, State and agency fiscal policy, regulation, and accrediting agencies (e.g., HLC, MOHE, DoE), and leads financial strategy and investment management. Dedicated to advancing the university’s mission through fiscal stewardship and collaborative, innovative and strategic problem solving.

Fernando Rosas

The vice president for human resources (VPHR) is responsible for formulating and executing a comprehensive human resources strategy that aligns with long-term university priorities and advances the university’s mission and vision. This role provides leadership and oversight for all human resources functions and ensures the development of forward looking university capabilities in workforce planning, talent acquisition and management, compensation and benefits administration, learning and development, human resources information systems, employee relations, and compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

Scott Walker B’91, M’98, M.A.

The vice president for student development (VPSD) leads efforts to enhance the student experience, supporting student success, retention, and well being. This role integrates responsibilities for student affairs and academic support services, fostering a holistic approach to student development. The VPSD works collaboratively across the university to implement initiatives that ensure a supportive and enriching environment for all students. The VPSD brings a deep understanding of and commitment to advancing the student journey at Saint Mary’s.

Christopher Beaudet, J.C.D.

The vice president for university relations (VPUR) serves as the university’s chief external affairs officer, providing strategic leadership and direction for all advancement, fundraising, alumni relations, branding, and communications. The VPUR collaborates with university leadership to enhance visibility, grow philanthropic support, and strengthen stakeholder engagement in alignment with the university’s strategic plan.

Very Rev. Jason Kern B’08

The rector of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary (IHM) serves as the bridge between the seminary and the academic administration and faculty to ensure a continued close collaboration between the seminary and university, as well as ensuring the curriculum meets both educational standards and the specific philosophical and theological requirements of the Program of Priestly Formation which gives direction to seminaries in the United States.