St. Mary’s College of Maryland will bid farewell to Vice President for Business and Finance, Thomas J. Botzman. Botzman, who will depart his position at St. Mary’s College in June, was selected as the 13th president of Misericordia University and will assume the presidency on July 1, 2013 at the beginning of the new academic year.
“It is not surprising to me that another institution would recognize the tremendous asset we have in Tom Botzman,” said St. Mary’s College President Joseph R. Urgo. “Misericordia University is fortunate to have attracted him—I know he’ll serve that fine institution as well as he has served St. Mary’s College during the last eight years. His leadership, insight, passion for education and above all—his friendship—will all be missed.”
Botzman has served as vice president for business and finance at St. Mary’s College since 2004, where he is also a professor of economics. His areas of responsibility have included finance, human resources, facilities and maintenance, information technology, government relations, athletics, sailing, and public safety. He also served as interim vice president for development and secretary to the Board of Trustees in 2009-10.
“I am very excited and honored to be selected as the next president of Misericordia University, which has an impressive reputation for linking the liberal arts and sciences to a career-oriented education,” Botzman stated. “The university has an impressive faculty and staff who know how to engage the students in learning, both inside and outside the classroom. It is an honor to follow President Michael A. MacDowell’s successful 15 years and be entrusted with the traditions of the Sisters of Mercy. My wife, Vanessa, and I were warmly greeted by the campus community and are looking forward to joining in the growing record of success at Misericordia University.’’
Botzman also previously served for 15 years on the faculty at Mount Union College in Ohio. “As president of Misericordia University, I will need to convey the pivotal roles of teaching, research and service to a wide range of stakeholders and constituencies, especially in matching curriculum and program to students’ needs,” Botzman said, explaining how his background in both teaching and administration will aid his transition to the new leadership post. Botzman also served at Mount Union College as the associate academic dean during the 2003-04 academic year and as director of international studies from 1993 to 1997. He was a visiting professor and Fulbright Scholar at the University of the Americas in Mexico City, Mexico, teaching there four times from 1992 through 1996. He was named an American Council on Education Fellow in 2002. Botzman worked in industry prior to becoming a faculty member and is the inventor of 12 U.S. patents.
“Dr. Botzman’s background and expertise matched Misericordia University’s agenda for new leadership perfectly. He brings significant enthusiasm for this important leadership position, and a broad array of successful experiences that will enable him to build on the momentum our university has experienced over these last 15 years,” said Misericordia University Trustee Christopher Borton, who chaired the presidential search committee.
Botzman earned a B.S. in engineering from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. He also holds an M.A. in economics and a Ph.D. in business administration from Kent State University in Kent, Ohio. Botzman was a 2011 participant in Harvard University’s Institute for Executive Management. Botzman and his wife, Vanessa, have one daughter, Gabriela, a high school senior.
For more information about Misericordia University, visit www.misericordia.edu.