The original charter for Mount St. Mary's College was granted on February 27, 1830, as an Act for founding a college and seminary of learning near Emmitsburg in Frederick County. It was founded to be “continued forever upon a most liberal plan, for the benefit of youth of every religious denomination, who shall be admitted to equal privileges and advantages of education, and to all the literary honors of the College . . .” and “. . . for the general advancement of useful knowledge, science, and virtue.”
The Mount assumed its present system of governance in 1968, when a self-perpetuating Board of Trustees replaced the governing Priests’ Council. The Board was vested with corporate ownership of the Mount, and comprises both lay and clerical membership. In 2004 the Board of Trustees adopted a resolution to change the designation from Mount Saint Mary’s College and Seminary to Mount St. Mary’s University, Inc.
In 2024, President Gerard J. Joyce, Ph.D., joined the Mount as chief executive officer of the university.
The University Cabinet is composed of senior level administrators who advise the president and oversee various university operations. Although these individuals directly report to the president, they serve together with the president, trustees and academic leadership to develop and implement strategic plans.
Vice President for Business and Finance
Director of Athletics
Vice President for Mission and Ministry
Vice President for Campus Environment and Public Safety
Vice President for Advancement
President
Vice President for Student Life
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Vice President for University Affairs
Vice President and Seminary Rector
Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs
Paula M. Whetsel-Ribeau, Ph.D.
Vice President for Human Resources and Community Engagement
Mount St. Mary’s University enters a new chapter with a strategic plan designed to deepen our mission, strengthen our community, and shape a transformative future. Rooted in our Catholic identity, the 2025–2028 plan outlines a focused three-year path to advance academic excellence, community and culture, student success, and sustainability.
This plan serves as a strategic guide and operational framework—shaping priorities, aligning resources, and ensuring we remain mission-driven as we prepare students for lives of significance in service to God and others.