Abagail “Abby” Van Vlerah has been named the fifteenth president of Notre Dame of Maryland University in Baltimore. She will begin her presidency on July 6.
According to the most recent data from the U.S. Department of Education, Notre Dame of Maryland University enrolls roughly 700 undergraduates and nearly 1,100 graduate students. Women represent 79 percent of the undergraduate population.
Most recently, Dr. Van Vlerah served as vice president for student success and institutional strategy at Manchester University in Indiana. She first joined the university in 2019, previously serving as vice president for student life and interim vice president for enrollment and marketing. Earlier, Dr. Van Vlerah worked for Long Island University as dean and chief operating officer for the Suffolk Regional Campuses and dean of student life and student success. She has also served in leadership roles at Bowling Green State University in Ohio, Mercy College in New York, Trine University in Indiana, Saint Mary’s College in Indiana, and the University of Wyoming.
“As a practicing Catholic and a graduate of a Catholic women’s college, I am deeply aligned with Notre Dame of Maryland University’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,” said Dr. Van Vlerah. “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.”
An alumna of Saint Mary’s College, Dr. Van Vlerah earned her master’s degree in American studies from the University of Wyoming and her Ph.D. in American cultural studies from Bowling Green State University.