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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.

  • 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.

  • Michelle Rovang, MBC

    The Vice President for University Relations serves as Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota’s chief external affairs officer, providing strategic leadership and direction for all advancement, fundraising, alumni relations, marketing, branding, and communications. As a key member of the President’s Cabinet, the Vice President collaborates with university leadership to enhance visibility, grow philanthropic support, and strengthen stakeholder engagement in alignment with the university’s Lasallian Catholic mission and strategic plan.

    Following the successful conclusion of the comprehensive campaign Rooted in Faith: Growing Our Future, the Vice President will guide the next phase of donor stewardship, brand enhancement, and strategic outreach, building upon this momentum to support long-term institutional advancement.

  • 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.