To the St. John’s College Community,
With deep gratitude for her years of leadership and service, we announce that President Nora Demleitner has stepped down from her role as collegewide president of St. John’s College and president of the Annapolis campus following the conclusion of the academic year. President Demleitner has led the college through a time of both challenge and growth, and her impact will long be felt.
“It has been a great honor to lead America’s third-oldest college, a beacon of the liberal arts and deep conversation,” said President Demleitner. “I am grateful for the support and friendship the special St. John’s community extended to me and my family, and I am proud of all we have accomplished together to position the college well for the future.”
During her tenure, President Demleitner focused on improving the student experience and outcomes. She increased financial accessibility and enhanced wellness initiatives. She also strengthened the campus through ongoing assessment and data-informed decision making. She championed a new Career Pathways initiative that connects liberal arts graduates to meaningful careers and professional opportunities. To do so effectively, she cultivated partnerships with graduate and professional schools, ensuring clearer pathways for Johnnies upon graduation.
President Demleitner brought our distinctive education to global audiences through relationships with institutions like Incheon National University in Korea. She also forged enduring ties with our Annapolis neighbors—schools, the U.S. Naval Academy, nonprofits, cultural leaders, and policymakers at the state and local level alike—contributing to the increased enrollment of Maryland students in the Class of 2029.
President Demleitner oversaw two substantial building transformations on the Annapolis campus, which brought new vitality to the Mitchell Art Museum and a transformed Mellon Hall, where innovative exhibits and world-class performers draw growing numbers of community members while enlivening the Annapolis campus for students, staff, and faculty alike. She helped to diversify funding streams and brought in new government support.
President Demleitner’s legacy is marked by her integrity, generosity of spirit, and tireless advocacy, which opened new doors for the college and forged lasting relationships that will benefit generations of Johnnies to come. Thanks to her work, our Annapolis campus is seen as more welcoming to the community.
J. Walter Sterling, president of the Santa Fe campus, has assumed the role of collegewide president. The Board has full confidence in President Sterling’s ability to lead the college during this pivotal period with a deep commitment to the college, both of its campuses, and our Program. He is a native Annapolitan, a graduate of the Annapolis campus, and the son of two Annapolis Johnnies. He is also one of the longest serving deans in the history of the Santa Fe campus and, in his roles as both dean and president, remains a Santa Fe tutor.
Annapolis Dean Suzy Paalman has assumed the role of president of the Annapolis campus. A trusted leader and respected member of the faculty, she will work closely with the Board of Visitors and Governors and President Sterling to sustain the local momentum President Demleitner has built in Annapolis.
Even amid change and challenges facing higher education, our work continues. The strategic planning process remains active and focused on the long-term health of St. John’s College. With a commitment to excellence in liberal education, we look ahead to a future in which both campuses are positioned for continued strength, innovation, and long-term sustainability.
With respect and gratitude,
Warren Spector Chair, Board of Visitors and Governors St. John’s College
