Dr. Richard Plumb, 30th President of Saint Mary’s College, Steps Down, Effective June 30, 2023
MORAGA, CA — The Saint Mary’s College of California Board of Trustees Chairman and Trustees in consultation with its Brother Visitor, Provincial of the District of San Francisco New Orleans, have been in discussion with Saint Mary’s College President Richard Plumb and determined that the College would be best served by a change in presidential leadership to propel it forward into its next chapter of growth and innovation. President Plumb will be stepping down as President of the College, effective June 30, 2023. The Board of Trustees thanks Dr. Plumb for his stewardship of Saint Mary’s and the progress that he made during his tenure.
“While higher education struggled through a pandemic that took a toll on faculty and students, we’re grateful that President Plumb guided the College in substantive ways,” said Eric Flowers, Chair of the Saint Mary’s College of California Board of Trustees. “We wish him and his wife Mary the very best as they move on to their next chapter.”
During President Plumb’s tenure, he:
- Guided the College through the COVID-19 pandemic and positioned it for success in the post-pandemic environment;
- Established a new senior leadership team;
- Facilitated the completion of the College’s five-year strategic plan, Transformation 2028, and initiated its implementation phase that will culminate in our centennial year in Moraga;
- Worked with the divisions of Enrollment Management to increase applications for 2023-24; Strategic Partnerships & Advancement to meet fundraising goals; and Marketing & Communications to increase our institution’s brand visibility;
- Collaborated with the Faculty Senate to increase open communication with faculty and staff; and
- Worked with Facilities Services and the Board of Trustees to facilitate the update of several residence halls, prioritize critical safety repairs, and take steps towards modernizing our buildings and grounds.
“At a time when some colleges have been losing students and struggling to remain relevant, we’re seeing an increase in applications, and we are on track with meeting our fundraising goals,” said Brother Nick Gonzalez, FSC. “The College’s strategic plan has created a new vision that will carry us forward. We are grateful for President Plumb’s stewardship through these challenging times.”
“Being part of the Saint Mary’s community has been a great opportunity for me,” Plumb said. “I had the opportunity to lead a college dedicated to transforming the lives of students and society, committed to great collaboration, and dedicated to strong academics and Lasallian, Catholic values. I am confident that the College will continue to build on its many strengths.”
Plumb joined Saint Mary’s as the college’s 30th president in July 2021 after serving for seven years as executive vice president and provost at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota and for nine years as dean of the Seaver College of Science and Engineering at Loyola Marymount University. He was a professor and later chair of Binghamton University’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and prior to that was a professor at the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Kansas.
The Board of Trustees will announce its Interim President in the near future. The Board plans to launch a national search for the College’s next President and form a search committee that will include trustees, Christian Brothers, faculty, staff, and student advisors. More information and updates will be communicated on the College’s website.