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Leadership for Saint Mary's Future

The cabinet serves in an advisory role to the president of the university regarding the administration of the university and planning for the future of Saint Mary’s.

At the direction of the president, the cabinet works to execute, monitor, and evaluate the yearly implementation of initiatives of the university’s strategic plan.

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Cabinet Members

The cabinet serves in an advisory role to the president of the university regarding the administration of the university and planning for the future of Saint Mary’s.At the direction of the president, the cabinet works to execute, monitor, and evaluate the yearly implementation of initiatives of the university’s strategic plan.

Strategic Plan

  • Andrew Dirksen, Ed.D

    The chief operating officer provides leadership to ensure the effective management and operational efficiency of the university. The COO oversees strategic planning, infrastructure, and key initiatives that align daily operations with the university’s long-term goals. Focused on fostering innovation and continuous improvement, the COO plays a critical role in enhancing institutional sustainability and supporting the advancement of the mission.

  • Susan Hines, Ed.D.
    Vice President for Academic Affairs – Minneapolis, Rochester, Online

    The vice president for Academic Affairs for the Minneapolis, Rochester, and online campuses leads academic strategy and operations for graduate and adult education programs, fostering innovation and growth in these key areas. This role focuses on expanding access to education through online and regional offerings, supporting enrollment and program development in alignment with Saint Mary’s mission. The vice president oversees academic policies, collaborates with academic leadership across multiple campuses, and supports the unique needs of a diverse student body in graduate, professional, and online education.

    Darren Row, Ph.D.
    Vice President for Academic Affairs – Winona

    The vice president for Academic Affairs for the Winona campus provides leadership in undergraduate education, guiding the academic vision to ensure a vibrant, student-centered learning environment. This role focuses on enhancing academic quality and fostering a community that embraces the Lasallian Catholic tradition. The vice president works closely with faculty and staff to support traditional undergraduate programs, while ensuring that academic operations, policies, and initiatives contribute to student success, retention, and a thriving campus life.

  • Gary Klein, M.A., CFRE

    The vice president for Advancement works collaboratively to develop, implement, and achieve strategic plans for increasing philanthropic support for the university; provides leadership and direction for major gifts, corporate and foundation gifts, planned giving, annual giving, donor relations and prospect research.

  • Michael McMahon Ed.D.

    The vice president for Enrollment Management is the university’s strategy and policy leader on all matters related to undergraduate, graduate, and online enrollment. The vice president leads the recruitment of an academically strong and diverse student body, and designs and implements enrollment strategies that attract the best students regionally, nationally, and throughout the world.

  • Ann Merchlewitz, J.D.

    The senior vice president serves as the university secretary to support the activities of the Board of Trustees by managing the work of the board and serving as the liaison between the board and the university administration. The general counsel oversees, identifies, and resolves legal issues within the university.

  • Fernando Bucaro

    The chief financial officer of the university oversees departments accountable for budgeting and finance, buildings and grounds, business office affairs, information technology and geospatial services.

  • Marisa Naryka, Ed.D.

    The vice president for Mission and Ministry preserves and offers direct active engagement with the distinctive Catholic and Lasallian identity and mission of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.

  • Michelle Rovang, MBC

    The vice president for Marketing and Communication supports the strategic priorities and operational goals of the university. Upholding and enhancing Saint Mary’s University’s reputation means telling its distinct story in a clear, consistent, and compelling way that engages and interests its myriad audiences. This is done through collaboration and strong messaging across marketing, communications, and public relations channels, including digital, multimedia, and print mediums.

  • Brother Robert Smith, FSC, Ph.D.

    The senior vice president for University Initiatives advises the president on a wide variety of strategic, academic, and mission-related initiatives and special projects involving the university and the president’s priorities.  The individual in this role represents the president internally and externally as needed to boards, foundations, colleges and universities, and other entities with significant university relationships.

  • Scott Walker, M.A.

    The Vice President for Student Development leads efforts to enhance the student experience, supporting student success, retention, and well-being. This role integrates responsibilities for student affairs and academic support services, fostering a holistic approach to student development. The vice president works collaboratively across the university to implement initiatives that align with Saint Mary’s Lasallian Catholic mission, ensuring a supportive and enriching environment for all students. The vice president brings a deep understanding of and commitment to advancing the student journey at Saint Mary’s.