The Maryland Independent College and University Association (MICUA) Board of Trustees elected Dr. Andrea Chapdelaine, President of Hood College, to serve as Chair of the Board for a two-year term beginning July 1, 2019. Dr. Chapdelaine was unanimously elected by the Board — which includes the presidents of its 15 member institutions —to guide the organization in implementing its strategic objectives.

In 2015, Dr. Chapdelaine was inaugurated as the eleventh President of Hood College. She quickly earned a reputation as a visionary academic leader who understands collegiate business and connects with students. Over the past four years, Dr. Chapdelaine has served on the MICUA Executive Committee, Budget Committee, Investment Committee, and Executive Search Committee.

“Dr. Chapdelaine is an intelligent, strong, and inclusive leader who accomplishes great things in partnership with others,” said Tina Bjarekull, President of MICUA. “With over two decades of experience in higher education, she has been recognized for her remarkable contributions to the profession of teaching and her support of communities.” In 2019, Dr. Chapdelaine was named to The Daily Record’s Top 100 Women and to Frederick's Top 50 CEO List by the Frederick County Office of Economic Development.

The Board elected Dr. Elliot Hirshman, President of Stevenson University, as Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees and Chair of the Budget Committee. Dr. Hirshman became Stevenson University’s seventh President in 2017 after serving as president of San Diego State University (SDSU) for six years, where he is credited with improving SDSU’s enrollment and retention rates across all demographics. Before serving as President of SDSU, Dr. Hirshman worked in Maryland as Provost of University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Other officers elected by the Board include Dr. Marylou Yam, President of Notre Dame of Maryland University, who will serve as Secretary-Treasurer of the Board, and Dr. Tim Trainor, President of Mount St. Mary’s University, who will serve as Chair of the Capital Projects Committee.

The Maryland Independent College and University Association (MICUA) is a member-driven organization devoted to serving the interests of independent higher education and supporting the work of campus leaders throughout the State. Established in 1971, the Association provides services to meet the needs of independent higher education and fosters cooperative efforts among its member institutions and all segments of higher education. As the voice of independent higher education in Maryland, MICUA seeks to inform the broader public about its member institutions and the vital importance of independent colleges and universities to the future of our State and nation.

MICUA members include: Capitol Technology University, Goucher College, Hood College, Johns Hopkins University, Loyola University Maryland, Maryland Institute College of Art, McDaniel College, Mount St. Mary’s University, Ner Israel Rabbinical College, Notre Dame of Maryland University, St. John’s College, St. Mary’s Seminary and University, Stevenson University, Washington Adventist University, and Washington College.