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July 15, 2026
Dear Members of the Mount Mary University Community,
As you are aware from President Cherney’s announcement this morning, she will complete her contracted term as Mount Mary University’s
13th President on June 30, 2027. In my role as Chair of the Board of Trustees, I have had the privilege of working closely with President Cherney throughout her presidency. We have been deeply fortunate to benefit from her vision, leadership, and steadfast
dedication to the mission and legacy of the School Sisters of Notre Dame.
Together with fellow Trustee and alumna Ann Tesmer, I write to outline the presidential search process as we begin the important work
of identifying Mount Mary University’s 14th President. Ann and I will serve as Co-Chairs of the Presidential Search Committee. Following a thorough review of several consulting firms, we are pleased to partner with Isaacson, Miller, a nationally recognized
firm with extensive experience in higher education presidential searches. The firm brings particular expertise in serving women’s colleges, Catholic institutions, and universities committed to educating historically underserved communities. Members of the
Isaacson, Miller team, Julie Filizetti and Afi Tettey-Fio, have already begun collaborating with us to design a thoughtful, inclusive, and successful search process. They are planning to visit campus in late September or early October to meet with various
groups and facilitate listening sessions focused on the University’s current priorities and future aspirations. Additional information about how to participate in these open forums will be shared in the coming weeks. In the meantime, members of the campus
community are welcome to provide input by filling out this survey.
More information about Isaacson, Miller and their role in the search process can be found
here.
Presidential searches require a careful balance between transparency and confidentiality. Broad engagement across the campus community
is essential to building support for the University’s next leader. At the same time, candidates, many of whom hold prominent leadership roles, must be assured of confidentiality to protect their current positions, as breaches can result in candidate withdrawals.
In light of these considerations, Mount Mary will follow a hybrid approach. The Search Committee will manage candidate interactions throughout the preliminary stages of the process. During the finalist stage, anticipated in late January or early February,
representatives from faculty, staff, students, and alumnae/i will have the opportunity to meet with candidates and provide feedback. This feedback, together with the Search Committee’s evaluation, will inform the Board of Trustees’ final selection.
We are joined on the Search Committee by a dedicated group of colleagues representing trustees, administration, faculty, staff, students,
alumnae, and the School Sisters of Notre Dame. Each member brings a valuable perspective and is charged with considering the needs and future of the University as a whole. We are grateful for their service and invite you to keep them in your thoughts and prayers
as they undertake this important responsibility. We also encourage you to share your perspectives through the search process.
Updates on the presidential search can be found on the Mount Mary University Presidential Search webpage. Thank you in advance for
your engagement and for the many ways you contribute to the strength and mission of Mount Mary University.
Sincerely,
Susan Bellehumeur and Ann Tesmer
Search Committee Co-Chairs
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