New President Named at St. Mary&#039;s College

New President Named at St. Mary's College

Richard Plumb Named 30th President of Saint Mary’s College of California

Richard G. Plumb has been named the 30th president of Saint Mary’s College of California. Plumb is currently the executive vice president and provost at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn. Plumb will begin his term on July 1, 2021.

Plumb will replace President James Donahue, who is retiring at the conclusion of the 2020–2021 academic year.

“Richard’s passion for Saint Mary’s and Catholic higher education, along with his considerable accomplishments, made him the standout candidate in a competitive national pool of applicants,” said Kevin Nagle, Saint Mary’s chair of the Board of Trustees and presidential search committee co-chair. “We are excited to have him join the Saint Mary's community.”

Plumb has a special affinity for first-generation college students and understands their unique needs, as he is also the first in his family to graduate from college. He earned his PhD, MS, and BS in electrical engineering, all from Syracuse University. He has authored over 50 peer-reviewed journal and conference articles.

Plumb comes to Saint Mary’s after an accomplished career in higher education that includes senior leadership positions at the University of St. Thomas; Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles; University of Kansas in Lawrence and Binghamton University in Binghamton, New York.

As a highly respected administrator, esteemed faculty member, and student-centered leader, Plumb has a plethora of experience working collaboratively across all college sectors to achieve extraordinary success and noteworthy outcomes supporting the core values, vision, and mission of the universities where he has served. His critical work on shared governance, strategic planning, curriculum development, financial management, fundraising, capital planning, and more has resulted in the acquisition of millions of dollars; the growth and expansion of academic programs; and increased support for students in the form of more scholarships, financial aid, and program support.

“Richard not only understands the issues facing higher education today, he demonstrated to us how a university can succeed in today’s environment,” said Kim Vogel, Saint Mary’s trustee, search committee co-chair, and former adjunct faculty member. “Richard's considerable experience in fundraising, program development, and diversity initiatives made it clear that his unifying vision can lead Saint Mary’s to the next level.”

“Saint Mary’s College holds a distinctive and highly admired place in the landscape of higher education, and I am deeply honored to be appointed as the College’s nextpresident,” said Plumb. “I have a profound respect for the rich legacy of the College, its Lasallian approach to education, and its commitment to providing students with a transformative and life-changing intellectual and spiritual experience. I look forward to working collaboratively with the talented leadership at Saint Mary’s to make the college an international leader in Catholic liberal arts education.”