Julia Jasken President, McDaniel College

When Julia Jasken began her career at McDaniel College as an English professor in 2003, she had no idea it would eventually lead to her becoming the college’s 10th president. She’s the second female president in the college’s more than 150-year history.

Moving from a professor into various administrative roles, including developing and directing the Center for Experience and Opportunity, the college’s one-stop shop for experimental education and development, and serving as the college’s executive vice president provost, each of her past experiences has prepared her for her present.

She designed the college’s McDaniel Commitment, which emphasizes experiential learning and alumni connections, that guarantee every student, guided by a team of mentors, can tailor their educational path.

Jasken said she is proud of the new initiatives and programs that have been created at the college including the five-year strategic plan, “Reaching New Heights” during her three years as president and is looking forward to the construction of the college’s new learning commons in the future.

“I am excited about the opportunities that exist through our expanded community partnerships and seeing the growth of our new majors, including our Bachelor of Science in Nursing, along with the development of graduate programs, like the new Master of Science in Occupational Therapy.”

— Allana Haynes