Dominican University’s President Mary Marcy Steps Down

Letter from Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Carolyn Klebanoff

After leading Dominican University of California through nearly a decade of transformation and success, President Mary B. Marcy has announced her decision to step down at the conclusion of the 2020-2021 fiscal year. At that time, she will continue her work focused on the future of higher education through an appointment as Visiting Scholar at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and she will also continue her relationship with Dominican through ongoing availability as she assumes the title of President Emerita. President Marcy is committed to leading the campus through the changes demanded by the pandemic this year, and to position the University well for new leadership in the coming years.

Since 2011, under President Marcy’s leadership, Dominican has gained national attention for a transformation that is rooted in creative programs, purposeful partnerships, and a commitment to academic excellence. Dominican’s community has embraced that vision, and your dedication and generosity have made the Dominican Experience a transformative reality for our students, as evidenced by dramatic increases in student success, satisfaction, and graduation rates.

The Board has few responsibilities more important than the selection of a new president. I am fully confident that this group of thoughtful individuals, who believe deeply in our institution’s mission will – through their discernment, wisdom, good judgment, and dedication to Dominican – successfully identify the right person to be our next president.

The Board has prioritized an internal search for Dominican’s next leader. The timeline, which aligns with best practices for presidential searches in higher education, will run 4-6 weeks, culminating with a recommendation to the Board of Trustees in early October, 2020. The Board will determine at that time if an internal appointment will be made, or if the University will undertake a national search.

In preparation for this academic year, our Dominican community has done considerable — and admirable — work to support students amid the coronavirus pandemic. The Board has initiated the search early on in the academic year to ensure there is ample time for a smooth transition of leadership.

There will be opportunities to celebrate President Marcy’s leadership as a community throughout the academic year. Today, please join me in thanking her for inspired and continued leadership of this fine institution.