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J. Michael Pressimone, Ed.D
J. Michael Pressimone, Ed.D., became the 15th president of Notre Dame College on April 8, 2020. Prior to joining Notre Dame, Dr. Pressimone served as the president of Fontbonne University in St. Louis, Mo., since 2014.
A native of Baltimore, Md., Dr. Pressimone was a first-generation college student, as are about 40 percent of Notre Dame College students. His higher education career spans more than three decades. He served as vice president of advancement at Alvernia University in Reading, Pa.; at Belmont Abbey College in Belmont, N.C.; and at Elizabethtown College in Elizabethtown, Pa.
With an extensive background and experience in fundraising, he successfully led the largest comprehensive campaign at Alvernia, surpassing $31 million. In that role, he also oversaw the offices of development, alumni relations and marketing and communications. In a similar role at Elizabethtown College, he designed, implemented and managed an endowment campaign with an initial goal of $20 million that raised more than $26 million.
Dr. Pressimone is a strong relationship builder with a reputation for teamwork, collaboration and an ability and passion for bringing students, faculty, staff and the community together to achieve mutually beneficial goals. He also has been an active voice in issues of diversity and racial justice. He has written in support of greater diversity and inclusion in both the news media and for his campus constituency. He is active in the interfaith community working to promote harmony among all people of faith.
Dr. Pressimone and his wife Cathy have been married for 38 years and have 12 children and six grandchildren with three more on the way.
Education
Dr. Pressimone holds an Associate of Arts degree from Catonsville Community College (now known as the Community College of Baltimore County), a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Catholic University of America (Washington, D.C.), a Master of Arts in Leadership in Higher Education from Regis University (Denver, Colo.) and a doctorate in Higher Education and Organizational Change from Benedictine University (Lisle, Ill.).
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Notre Dame College’s New President Focuses Institution for Success in its Second Century
Notre Dame College: Beyond 100
Notre Dame has beautifully animated the founding vision of the Sisters of Notre Dame for nearly 100 years. The women and men who serve here today embrace this mission. They see their work as truly transformative for each individual student. Students from various constituencies see Notre Dame as a place of opportunity for those who typically have less access to higher education. These are all elements that create a climate for success.
As Notre Dame embarks on a renewed campus strategic planning cycle in 2022 and will celebrate its centennial from fall 2022 to fall 2023, the College has accomplished much toward the original Notre Dame College: Beyond 100 vision established by the president upon his arrival at the College in April 2020.
President Pressimone remains committed to Notre Dame College beyond its 100th year as does the campus community. Review progress made in each of the 10 areas of focus he originally outlined.
Governance
Budget & Finance
Growth
Marketing, Public Relations, Communications
Assessment
College Culture
Enrollment Management
Administrative Restructuring
Philanthropy
The Future
Notre Dame College at a Glance
Browse our flip book for an overview of Notre Dame College. Learn about our mission, 100 year history as an educational institution and explore academic and student life on campus.
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Governance
With new board leadership and new membership, we look forward to moving forward in some positive directions. As the pandemic wanes, we will involve the board even more in Notre Dame campus life and will continue to be intentional about engaging trustees in meaningful ways.Â
College Culture
A remarkable shift has occurred in campus culture over the last few years even with the increased stress brought about by the pandemic. We are engaged in meaningful conversations. There is enthusiasm for the future. Members of our team are willing to step forward to do the important work that drives us forward.Â
Budget & Finance
Enrollment Management
We have made significant changes in the area of enrollment management. We have invested in people, systems, consulting and marketing in order to better position Notre Dame to be successful in the marketplace. As we emerge from the pandemic, Notre Dame should be better positioned for success.
Growth
Administrative Restructuring
The administrative restructuring that was completed during the prior fiscal year has been successfully implemented. The senior team is functioning at a high level. We will complete the restructuring with the hiring of a Provost in 2022.
Marketing, Public Relations, Communications
We continue to get good service in this area from our internal employees and external partners. As part of the administrative restructuring, I moved marketing and communications under the dean of online programs and strategic initiatives. The focus on the College centennial will sharpen our efforts in institutional marketing and brand building.
Philanthropy
The strengthened efforts in marketing and communication will aid in our efforts to build a stronger philanthropic program. The centennial will provide opportunities for engagement and momentum. I believe that our efforts have positioned us to seek and secure transformative gifts in the near term. With board alignment, we can engage those who have the ability to make significant investments in Notre Dame.
Assessment
The College strengthened its assessment culture and its Office of Institutional Effectiveness. For the new fiscal year, cabinet members will develop goals, and these will provide the basis for performance evaluation. Cabinet members also will be encouraged to create appraisal opportunities for staff, as well.
The Future
The strengthened efforts in marketing and communication will aid in our efforts to build a stronger philanthropic program. The centennial will provide opportunities for engagement and momentum. I believe that our efforts have positioned us to seek and secure transformative gifts in the near term. With board alignment, we can engage those who have the ability to make significant investments in Notre Dame.