PAXTON—Anna Maria College has appointed Sean J. Ryan as its 12th president, effective July 1, the college announced on Thursday.
The Board of Trustees unanimously selected Ryan to succeed Mary Lou Retelle, who has led the college since 2015.
Ryan currently serves as senior vice president for Administration, Strategic Initiatives, and Trustee Affairs at Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky. His career spans leadership roles in enrollment management, academic program development, and strategic planning.
“After a comprehensive national search, we are delighted to welcome Dr. Sean J. Ryan as the next president of Anna Maria College,” Board Chair David P. Trainor said in the college’s announcement. “Dr. Ryan’s impressive track record in leadership, commitment to Catholic higher education, and proven success in enrollment growth and financial management make him exceptionally qualified to lead Anna Maria College into its next chapter.”
A New England native, Ryan has been instrumental in key initiatives at Bellarmine, including leading the university’s transition from NCAA Division 2 to Division 1 and co-chairing an 18-month strategic planning process. His background also includes overseeing fundraising efforts that raised $7 million in seven months and collaborating to create 23 new academic programs.
Ryan, who holds a doctorate in education from the University of Pennsylvania, said he’s excited to return to Massachusetts.
“Anna Maria’s mission to educate students to become ethical leaders and community-oriented professionals resonates profoundly with me,” he said in the announcement. “I look forward to working alongside the talented faculty, staff, and students to build upon the strong foundation established by President Retelle.”
Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees Kimberly A. Kennedy added that Ryan has a remarkable ability to balance “strategic innovation with respect for tradition” and shows “genuine enthusiasm for engaging with all members of the college community.”
A campus event to introduce Ryan to the Anna Maria community will be scheduled in the coming weeks.
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