Dr. Maryanne Stevens awarded title of President Emerita at CSM

OMAHA, Neb. – Dr. Maryanne Stevens, RSM, will receive a new title upon her retirement Friday, June 30, as president of College of Saint Mary. During a retirement celebration Tuesday, June 27, Dr. Stevens was awarded the status of President Emerita.

The designation is reserved to honor a president who has provided outstanding and distinguished service to CSM, including going beyond the normal duties and responsibilities, leading to an extraordinary impact on the University and the broader community. The president must have served at least 10 years.

“It is my honor and privilege to announce that, during the May meeting, the College of Saint Mary Board of Directors unanimously voted to designate the status of President Emerita to Dr. Maryanne Stevens,” board member Steve Eulie said.

The designation provides a listing in the University catalog and website; use of the title “President Emerita” in the community and professional activities; and the current president may call upon the President Emerita to provide counsel or serve in various volunteer roles to support the University.

Dr. Stevens began her presidency to pursue a mission of higher education opportunities for women on June 1, 1996. Under her leadership, CSM has developed several innovative programs, specifically, a residence hall allowing single mothers to live with their children on campus; Marie Curie scholarships for low-income women majoring in math or science; the Summer Academies for high school girls; graduate programs in education, physician assistant studies, occupational therapy, kinesiology and exercise science, and organizational leadership, as well as a unique doctoral program in physical therapy.

Heather A. Smith, MBA, will assume the role of CSM’s eighth president on July 1.