Marylou Yam

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President
Notre Dame of Maryland University

Marylou Yam leads numerous growth and innovation initiatives as president of Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU). In recent years, she developed the university’s Going Beyond strategic plan, spearheaded three major capital projects and secured the United Nations’ Non-Government Organization status for the university.

She has also significantly expanded academic programs, including Maryland’s first bachelor’s and master’s programs in art therapy and a doctorate in occupational therapy at a private university. Yam actively serves with the Maryland Commission on Women and the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.

What is your biggest accomplishment?

One of my most gratifying accomplishments was successfully completing the largest fundraising campaign in NDMU history. The majority of funds went toward student scholarships to enable access to higher education and persistence to degree attainment for students. In addition, the Go Beyond campaign made it a reality to offer NDMU’s Promise Scholarship program.

What is the most encouraging new development in higher education?

Artificial intelligence offers opportunities to enhance teaching and learning, individualize student support, automate services and optimize the application of data in decision making. However, concerns related to AI including ethical and privacy issues must be carefully addressed. As president, I am committed to ensuring that NDMU is at the forefront of this new and exciting era.

What do you do to unwind?

In order to unwind, I engage in a variety of activities that I find enjoyable, such as listening to music, taking long walks and reading. My reading list is mainly filled with biographies.

This profile is part of The Daily Record's Higher Education Power List for 2024. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. See the full list at thedailyrecord.com.