President

Mary Lou Retelle began her role as Anna Maria College’s 11th President on June 1, 2015. Retelle was named President following a year of service as the College’s interim president. As President, she has built a dedicated and experienced Board of Trustees along with a strong leadership team to navigate the ever-increasing challenges of higher education. During the past decade as President, Retelle oversaw the implementation of a College Strategic Plan, the completion of a $5M renovation to the campus center, and established a revised agreement with the College’s online learning partner, Wiley, for flexible and favorable enrollment. She successfully navigated the College through the pandemic, introduced technology improvements that expanded access for students and faculty, and broadened the diversification of the student body profile. President Retelle represents Anna Maria College on multiple regional boards.

Prior to her appointment as president, Retelle served three years as Anna Maria’s Executive Vice President. As Executive Vice President, she was responsible for the College’s operations related to student enrollment, student life and athletics.

President Retelle brings to this presidential appointment 25 years of experience as an executive administrator at numerous public and private institutions. Her career at Merrimack College included Vice President for Enrollment and Student Services, Vice President for Enrollment Management, and Dean of Admission and Financial Aid. She also served Suffolk University and State University of New York at Potsdam in executive positions relative to enrollment and strategic planning.

President Retelle obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Merrimack College and her Master of Education in Student Personnel Services from Northeastern University in Boston.