President
Carrying Forth the Mission of Anna Maria College
Mary Lou Retelle
Mary Lou Retelle began her role as Anna Maria College’s 11th President on June 1, 2015. As President, she has built a dedicated and experienced Board of Trustees along with a strong leadership team to navigate the ever-increasing challenges in higher education.
During the past decade as President, Retelle oversaw the implementation of a new Strategic Plan, the creation of Nursing Simulation and Clinical Labs in Miriam Hall, major renovations to the campus center and chapel, and several other capital improvements. She engaged donors and grantmakers as the College secured nearly $15 million in federal, state, corporate, foundations, and individual funding during her tenure. The Academic portfolio advanced with the introduction of new and expanded programs. She restructured the revenue model for online education programs and drove more enrollment and academic pathway agreements with community colleges, businesses, and area high schools. In Athletics, President Retelle secured a permanent conference home for the AMCATS in the MASCAC and saw the introduction of Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey, and Esports. She successfully navigated the College through the pandemic. President Retelle served on multiple boards and committees representing Anna Maria College locally and regionally.
President Retelle’s journey at Anna Maria College began in 2011 when she joined as Executive Vice President. She assumed the presidency in 2015 following a year of service as the College’s interim president. She has more than 45 years of experience in higher education. Prior to Anna Maria College, she was Vice President for Enrollment and Student Services and Dean of Admission and Financial Aid at Merrimack College. 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.
