Long-Time Notre Dame Professor, Dean and Leader Named Interim Provost

Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU) has named Sharon Slear, SSND, Ph.D. ’66 as Interim Provost/Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA). Sister Sharon is a long-time serving NDMU faculty member and community member. Prior to taking over as Interim Provost, Sister Sharon served as the Dean for the School of Education.

“We thank Sr. Sharon for stepping into this role and look forward to her bringing her love for the university and proven leadership skills and talents to this office,” says NDMU President Marylou Yam. “She truly embodies the Notre Dame spirit, embraces our Catholic Identity and lives the Mission of working to educate leaders to transform the world.”

In her role as Dean, Sr. Sharon helped shape Notre Dame’s School of Education and its programs to be the #1 private college or university in Maryland in graduating certified teachers. She sought and received national accreditation (NCATE) for all graduate and undergraduate education programs, making NDMU the first private college or university in Maryland to receive this recognition. Sister Sharon is credited with developing NDMU’s graduate programs in education and she spearheaded the University’s first doctoral program, the Ph.D. in Instructional Leadership for Changing Populations. In addition, Sister Sharon guided NDMU to lead Maryland for the number of education graduates connected to STEM fields. 

As the interim provost and VPAA, Sister Sharon will oversee academic affairs, student life and athletics. She hopes to build on Notre Dame’s successes and continue to implement the goals laid out in the University’s Strategic Plan. In addition, she is looking forward to making each student’s experience a positive one. “I am excited about this opportunity and getting to know more of our students,” says Sister Sharon. “Over the years, I have worked tirelessly with our education students to make them the best that they can be in the classroom, and I now I’m looking forward to helping the entire student body.”

She assumed her duties as interim provost/VPAA on January 17. Her appointment as Interim Provost came as no surprise to those who work with her on a regular basis. Dr. Gary Thrift, Acting Dean for the School of Education says, “Sister Sharon always puts her students first. She is the type of leader that wants every student to succeed.”

That drive for success, isn’t contained to the classroom. Sister Sharon is a life-long athlete. In the 1990s she served as Notre Dame’s tennis coach. Today, she prefers to hit the links rather than the court as an avid golfer. She was voted one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women three times and became a member of the Maryland Circle of Excellence in recognition of her professional contributions and achievements. She has also received the NCEA Educator of the Year award and in 2012, she was the recipient of NDMU’s President's Medal.