(2014–2026)
Dr. Yam oversaw the launch of an unprecedented expansion of new academic programs, including NDMU Online. She led the University through the COVID pandemic. New undergraduate traditional enrollment growth followed the gender inclusive transition. The endowment grew by 56.9%. Dr. Yam expanded the land envelope of the campus and engaged Brightview Senior Living. Renovations included the Knott Science and Innovation Center, Caroline Hall, Fourier Hall, and a new athletic turf field. Dr. Yam led the historic acquisition and merger of the former Maryland University of Integrative Health to a new NDMU School of Integrative Health.
Joan Develin Coley, Ph.D.*
(2013–2014)
Dr. Joan Develin Coley served in the transitional year before the installation of Dr. Marylou Yam. In a brief time, Dr. Coley made a major impact on campus life and in the hearts of all through her inspirational leadership and her gracious manner.
James F. Conneely, Ph.D.
(2012–2013)
The first male President to lead the University, Dr. James F. Conneely focused on enhancing student life, engagement and retention. He was a vocal advocate for the importance of women’s education and emphasized service to others and social responsibility.
Mary Pat Seurkamp, Ph.D.
(1997–2012)
Serving as the first permanent lay president, Dr. Seurkamp led the institution through its historic transition to university status. She oversaw a significant expansion of adult, graduate, and professional programs, including the launch of the first doctoral degree program, the School of Pharmacy, and the College of Adult Undergraduate Studies. Under her leadership, the University campus was enhanced with the construction of the University Academic Building and Bunting Hall, as well as the renovation of Fourier Hall. During Dr. Seurkamp’s tenure, overall enrollment increased, and she positioned the University for continued growth.
Dorothy M. Brown, Ph.D.*
(1996–1997)
As an alumna and former faculty member, Dr. Dorothy Brown was elected interim president.
Rosemarie Nassif, SSND, Ph.D.
(1992–1996)
Guided by the newly adopted Strategic Plan, Sister Rosemarie Nassif planned for a period of rapid academic and technological innovation.
Kathleen Feeley, SSND, Ph.D. ’50
(1971–1992)
Sister Kathleen Feeley expanded Notre Dame’s educational reach through the historic creation of the Continuing Education and Weekend College programs, as well as the Graduate Studies program. She established the Renaissance Institute, English Language Institute, and the Nursing Department. Under her leadership, the Marion Burke Knott Athletics Complex was completed, and Rice Hall, Noyes House, and Gibbons Hall underwent significant renovations. Sister Feeley’s presidency positioned Notre Dame for sustained growth by expanding academic access, modernizing the campus, and strengthening the University’s foundation for future generations.
M. Elissa McGuire, SSND, Ph.D. ’45
(1968–1971)
Sister M. Elissa McGuire supervised the Quest ’70 meeting, during which the Notre Dame community decided that Notre Dame should remain a women-only institution. Cooperative ventures, such as course exchanges, would continue, but Notre Dame remained an independent women’s college.
Margaret Mary O’Connell, SSND, Ph.D. ’26
(1950–1968)
Under Sister Margaret Mary O’Connell’s guidance, scholarship grants to students quadrupled. She also oversaw the construction of Doyle Hall, the Doyle Hall addition, and Knott Science Center and signed the agreement for Loyola/Notre Dame Library, the first library in the United States to be owned jointly by two institutions.
M. Frances Smith, SSND, Ph.D.
(1935–1950)
Sister M. Frances Smith was the first president to serve full-time, apart from the role of superior of the SSND convent. She supported faculty governance and student government and supervised the construction of Fourier Library, completed in 1941.
M. Ethelbert Roache, SSND
(1929–1935)
Sister M. Ethelbert Roache stabilized enrollment numbers during the Great Depression with an innovative promotional campaign directed toward high school students.
M. Philemon Doyle, SSND
(1919–1929)
Sister M. Philemon Doyle oversaw continued growth in academic programs and enrollment. Notre Dame also attained Middle States Association accreditation under her leadership. She hired Dr. Elizabeth Morrissy, a nationally renowned professor of history and economics who advised President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
M. Florentine Riley, SSND
(1904–1919)
Sister M. Florentine Riley supervised the construction of College Hall, now known as Meletia Hall, greatly expanding academic and residential facilities for students.
Mother M. Theophila Bauer, SSND
(1895–1904)
As the first president of Notre Dame, Mother M. Theophila Bauer was charged with paying the debt for the campus land and the construction and expansion of what is now Gibbons Hall, the academic heart of the University.
*Interim president