The St. Mary’s College of Maryland (SMCM) Board of Trustees approved two new academic programs during their winter meeting, Jan. 30 through Feb. 1 at the College. A data science minor and a 3+2 program in environmental science will be available to students beginning in the fall of 2025.
The interdisciplinary data science minor will leverage the skills and research activity of recently recruited faculty in several academic disciplines across campus. Increasing employer demand for data science skills and growing applicability of data analytics across traditional liberal arts disciplines make the program a logical fit for SMCM.
The 3+2 program in environmental studies would be a partnership with Bard College in New York. The dual degree program would provide SMCM undergraduates with the opportunity to earn either a Master of Science in Climate Science and Policy or a Master of Science in Environmental Policy degree along with the SMCM bachelor’s degree in environmental studies in five years. Under the program, students would spend their first two years at SMCM. During their third (junior) year, students would take interdisciplinary master’s coursework at Bard (at the same tuition rate as at SMCM). They would return to SMCM for their senior year and graduate with their class. In the fifth year – should they choose to continue – students will complete a master’s internship, capstone project, and 2nd year master’s coursework to receive their graduate degree.
The addition of these programs is a key component of The Rising Tide, the College’s 3-year strategic plan and enhances the College’s position as the National Public Honors College and the college of choice for students, families and employers.
In other business, the Board conveyed the College’s highest honor, the Order of the Ark and Dove, to Michael P. O’Brien, SMCM Class of 1968.
O’Brien served on the St. Mary’s College of Maryland Foundation Board of Directors from 2002 to 2005; the Board of Trustees from 2005 to 2017, including chairing the Buildings and Grounds Committee; and again, on the Foundation Board from 2017 to 2023, which included chairing the Joint Investment Advisory Committee.
“Mike has always answered the call to serve on governing boards and support the College’s fundraising priorities, initiatives, and campaigns,” said Tuajuanda C. Jordan, PhD, SMCM president. “His loyalty and dedication remain beyond measure.”
During his tenure, the campus was reshaped by the addition of thoughtfully designed academic buildings, athletic facilities and student housing. His strong history of philanthropy to the College culminated in 2010 with the naming of the Michael P. O’Brien Athletics and Recreation Center to honor his legacy of support.
Characteristically, O’Brien expressed humility in accepting the award. “The staff and the faculty and the trustees have all worked together to accomplish something really magnificent and I’m just happy to have been a part of it,” he noted during his acceptance.
The Board also approved the fiscal year 2026 plant fund budget of $1.587 million. The plant fund budget includes maintenance, repair and support for facilities and is funded primarily through student facilities fees.
“The College is entering a crucial period in the next few months, as we conclude the search for SMCM’s next leader, and I thank our presidential search committee for the outstanding work they have done thus far in the process,” said John J. Bell, SMCM class of 1995, chair of the Board of Trustees. “Higher education as a whole faces significant challenges in the coming years, and I feel confident that the Board, working with President Jordan and College leadership, has laid the foundation for SMCM to meet those challenges.”
