by Cori Hilsgen
news@thenewsleaders.com
Current College of St. Benedict President MaryAnn Baenninger has accepted a position as president of Drew University in New Jersey.
Baenninger announced in October she would step down from her position as CSB president effective June 30. Her new position starts July 21.
In a recent press release, Baenninger said she wanted to be closer to family.
“As I explained when I announced this would be my last year at CSB, my husband and I want to be close to our family at this time in our lives,” Baenninger said. “This is a perfect ‘fit’ for both Drew and for me. The university has a rich history, very strong academic programs and an abiding sense of community. I look forward to the opportunity to serve Drew and to get to know the members of its community.”
The CSB presidential search committee will continue to move forward in the process of hiring Baenninger’s replacement. Chair of the CSB Board of Trustees Lynn Newman commented in a recent press release.
“The CSB Board of trustees is delighted MaryAnn has accepted another college presidential position, especially one so close to her immediate and extended family,” Newman said. “She is a strong leader and an exceptional person. We know she will serve Drew University well, and we wish her nothing but the best in her new endeavor.”
Drew University is a private, liberal-arts university located in Madison, N.J. It has a total enrollment of more than 2,000 students. Baenninger was chosen from a pool of more than 100 applicants.
During her tenure at CSB, Baenninger oversaw multiple construction projects, received national recognition for the college’s study-abroad programs, internationalization efforts and support for undergraduate research. She also diversified the student body and improved student quality, which resulted in increased financial strength for CSB.
Baenninger plans to focus on building Drew’s legacy of internationalism, embark on capital projects and increase visibility of the university while maintaining its longstanding tradition of excellence as a liberal-arts institution.
The search committee expects to conclude the search for a new president by the end of March.
Current College of St. Benedict president MaryAnn Baennnger has accepted a position as the new president of Drew University in New Jersey. She will leave CSB on June 30 and start her new position on July 21.
