Dear Parents & Families,
One of the great pleasures of serving as president of St. Mary’s College is the opportunity to represent the College in Annapolis and to share the story of this remarkable institution. Each visit, whether for meetings, testimony, or conversations with legislators and state officials, gives me the chance to speak about the extraordinary students who make St. Mary’s such a special place.
Recently, I had the opportunity to testify before the House Appropriations Committee’s education and economic development subcommittee during our budget hearing. Before I began, I was especially pleased to introduce several St. Mary’s students who had traveled to Annapolis to observe the process firsthand. It was a proud moment and a meaningful reminder of how engaged, thoughtful, and impressive our students are.
Some of those students, along with several others, returned to the Senate Building the following week for a legislative reception co-hosted by St. Mary’s College and Historic St. Mary’s City. While I was glad to connect with legislators and guests, it was our students who truly shone. They spoke with confidence about their experiences, shared what makes St. Mary’s distinctive, and demonstrated the value of a public honors college education in the most authentic way possible.
They represented St. Mary’s beautifully, and I know they made their families proud. Moments like these are powerful reminders that the excellence of St. Mary’s is found in our students: in their curiosity, their poise, and their ability to lead with both intellect and purpose. I see that excellence every day, and I remain deeply optimistic about all that lies ahead for them and for the College.
Sincerely,
Rhonda G. Phillips, Ph.D, FAICP
President
St. Mary’s College of Maryland
Celebrating the Inauguration of the Eighth President of St. Mary’s College of Maryland
On Friday, April 17, St. Mary’s College of Maryland will formally inaugurate Dr. Rhonda Phillips as president, marking an important and celebratory moment in the life of the College.
A presidential inauguration is more than a ceremony. It is a chance for the College community to come together in recognition of shared purpose, leadership, and the promise of the future. Students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees, families, and community partners will join in celebrating this special occasion and all that it represents for St. Mary’s.
Throughout the week, campus events will showcase the scholarship, creativity, and leadership of our students while honoring the traditions that continue to shape the College’s future. Families can learn more about inauguration week events and watch the livestream of the ceremony by visiting the College’s inauguration website at smcm.edu/president/inauguration/.
Rhonda G. Phillips, Ph.D., FAICP, was announced as the 8th president of St. Mary's College of Maryland on April 22, 2025, and assumed her duties on July 1, 2025.
Celebrating Small Academic and Life Wins
Often, parents and families (and students!) focus on big college goals like final grades, internships or graduation, but meaningful growth along the way is what truly leads to success. Small wins demonstrate effort, and effort leads to achievement and long-term success.
In our newest article, we highlight why small successes matter and how simple weekly check-ins or words of encouragement can make a meaningful difference. Check out Noticing What’s Going Well: Celebrating Small Academic and Life Wins to see how celebrating small wins can help your student grow with confidence and resilience.
Upcoming Family Webinar (Free)
Please join staff members from the Office of Student Success Services on Tuesday, Apr. 14 for our final free family webinar of the academic year.
The Year-End Boost: Helping Your Student Finish Strong and Plan What’s Next will provide practical strategies for helping your student wrap up the spring semester. Grab the Zoom link today!
Missed the Last Webinar?
Passport to Possibilities: Your Guide to Study Abroad provides key insights on one pillar of the SMCM’s Honor College Promise: study abroad. Explore dozens of approved program options – from Costa Rica to Bhutan – along with an overview of the financial aid, credit transfer, application timelines and more.
Problem Gambling Awareness
For the past two years, the Peer Health Educator (PHE) Program at SMCM has been honored to be the recipient of the Maryland Colleges and Universities Underage and Problem Gambling Prevention Grant from the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling, along with additional funding from the Maryland Department of Health, Behavioral Health Administration (BHA).
Young adults may turn to peer support first in seeking help with problem gambling, rather than professionals. SMCM PHEs - students who are trained to provide peer counseling, resources and activities related to prevention topics - have launched their annual Problem Gambling Awareness Month campaign observed during the month of March.
Read Problem Gambling Awareness Month by SMCM’s Director of Counseling to learn more.
Career & Internship Fair
The Office of Career Development and Community Engagement is proud to present the Spring 2026 Career & Internship Fair!
On Tuesday, March 24, from 10 am to 1 pm, your student can join us at the Michael P. O'Brien Athletics & Recreation courts to meet employers, explore career paths and learn about available jobs and internships.
1098-T Information
Reminder that IRS 1098-T forms were mailed to the permanent address in your student’s file and were also uploaded to your student’s portal. The 1098-T is an IRS form entitled “Tuition Statement” that assists students in determining if they qualify for certain education-related tax credits.
Review the full 1098-T announcement and reach out to studentaccounts@smcm.edu with any questions or concerns.