St. Mary's College of Maryland viewbook 2023

SM CM

HONORS forALL

We are NATIONAL because we were the first public honors college in the United States, and today we remain one of only two in the country. For you, that means being part of something truly special.

We are PUBLIC because we believe that every student deserves the opportunity to study at an honors level at a cost that’s genuinely affordable. Your background, your financial situation, your ethnicity — none of it should get in the way of your education.

We are an HONORS college because we set high expectations for everyone and we help you exceed them. At other colleges, you’ll find just an honors program. Here, it’s honors all the time. No matter your background, if you have the ambition to put in the hard work, you’re an honors student at St. Mary’s College.

If this sounds like your kind of place, get to know us more. And hopefully, we’ll get to know you too. JOIN US ›

MAJOR: Philosophy

HOMETOWN: Germantown, Maryland

MAJOR: Chemistry

HOMETOWN: Delmar, Delaware

MAJOR: Psychology

HOMETOWN: Baltimore, Maryland

MAJOR: Economics

HOMETOWN: Upper Marlboro, Maryland

ALL WALKS OF LIFE, ONE THING IN COMMON: WE HAVE EARNED OUR PLACE HERE. WE WORK HARD, DREAM BIG, AND HAVE GOALS. WE COME FROM DIVERSE BACKGROUNDS AND HAVE OUR OWN OPINIONS, BUT WE’RE COLLABORATIVE, NOT

NAME: Zane Obi ’25

NAME: Raina Crew ’24

NAME: Samuel Shenot ’24

NAME: Gladis VanGessell ’24

NAME: MaKayla Bridges ’23

MAJOR: Biochemistry

HOMETOWN: Davidsonville, Maryland

NAME: Thomas Dolan ’23

MAJOR: Mathematics

HOMETOWN: Millersville, Maryland

NAME: Mathew Vieke ’25

MAJOR: Physics, Mathematics

HOMETOWN: Ventura, California

NAME: Tae-shi Savage ’24

MAJOR: English, Performing Arts - Music

HOMETOWN: Baltimore, Maryland

CUTTHROAT. WE ENCOURAGE EACH OTHER TO BETTER OURSELVES AND THE WORLD AROUND US. AS A RESULT, THE VIBE HERE IS WELCOMING AND HOPEFUL. WE’RE GOING PLACES.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE tailored FOR YOU

We believe that the best learning springs from the rich human exchange between student and teacher. This exchange takes place in our small classes that are both challenging and engaging, in one-in-one interactions, and even on the walking paths that cross campus. This promotes learning on a deep and personalized level that is characteristic of St. Mary’s College.

TAKE the LEAD

LEAD stands for Learning Through Experiential and Applied Discovery.

LEAD is our signature 21st century curriculum that integrates credit-bearing professional career development and the HONORS COLLEGE PROMISE with the innovative teaching and excellence of our academic programs.

The Honors College Promise guarantees you the opportunity to engage in research, internships, or international experiences.

LEAD ensures that you will graduate with the contemporary subject-matter knowledge, experiences and skill sets that employers and graduate schools tell us they want while also showing you how to navigate the world of work.

ST. MARY’S COLLEGE PROVIDES YOU WITH AN HONORS-LEVEL LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES EDUCATION.

GABRIELLA DE LEONIBUS ’22

Major: Biochemistry

Hometown: Bowie, MD

Next step: University of Maryland Pharmacy School, as a four-year dean’s scholarship awardee

RESEARCH  “Working in the lab with Dr. Sherrer as a Biochemistry Directed Research Fellow gave me the opportunity to learn how to formulate protocol for biochemical techniques and practice using the high-tech biochemistry technology we have on campus.”

INTERNSHIP  “I began working at Walgreens Pharmacy as a intern in March of 2021. In July I received my State of Maryland Pharmacy Technician license and became a certified immunizer against COVID-19 and the flu. This opportunity allowed me to gain experience in a retail pharmacy setting and verified my interest in becoming a pharmacist.”

CAREER PREP  “Being trained in professionalism as a peer-to-peer mentor in the College’s Center for Career and Professional Development has benefited me in not only being able to confidently write my own cover letter and résumé, but also in assisting other students in their professional writings.”

EXPERTISE  “For my capstone research, I focused on the mutagenic activity of cadmium (a heavy metal known to cause cancer) on DNA. My research question was: Can we identify the threshold amount of cadmium to cause mutations in DNA by means of DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis?”

CHECK OUT MORE STORIES LIKE THIS ONE

88% OF STUDENTS APPLYING TO POST-GRADUATE HEALTH SCIENCES PROGRAMS IN RECENT YEARS ARE ADMITTED

89% OF STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN INTERNSHIPS, INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCES, OR UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH

350+

ALUMNI MENTORS SUPPORT STUDENT SUCCESS

#16

RANKED AS ONE OF THE TOP PUBLIC LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES BASED ON QUALITY, AFFORDABILITY, AND OUTCOMES (MONEY MAGAZINE, 2022)

10:1

OUR STUDENT-TO-FACULTY RATIO GIVES YOU THE PERSONAL ATTENTION YOU’RE LOOKING FOR

98% OF OUR FACULTY HOLD THE HIGHEST ATTAINABLE DEGREE IN THEIR RESPECTIVE FIELD OF STUDY

MIA DALMA AZURIN ‘24

DeSousa-Brent Scholar

Major: Psychology

Hometown: Washington, D.C.

FAVORITE WAY TO CHILL 

“I love grabbing a book and my hammock and spending the day reading outside.”

FACULTY RELATIONSHIPS 

“One of my biggest worries coming to college was not being able to establish great relationships with my professors like I did in high school. But the professors here truly make an effort to know their students and be an advocate for them.”

PROFESSORS WHO CARE 

“My freshman year I had Dr. Ayse Ikizler for my core seminar. I remember this one meeting where we were talking about one of my papers. She showed great interest in my topic, was very thoughtful in her critiques and gave me a lot of great advice that I still follow today.”

YOU’LL LEARN from the EXPERTS

Across the board, our world-class professors agree that the reason they teach at St. Mary’s College is because of the students who choose to learn here. To guide, steer, mentor and empower those who are earnest in their desire to be great — that’s what fuels them. Tell them what fuels you and prepare for liftoff.

“Our small classes allow me to really get to know my students. One of the great things about being at SMCM is that there’s not a single week that I don’t hear from former students. They’ll tell me about their lives, their kids, and thank me when they’re

successful.”

ASIF DOWLA, PHD, Landers Endowed Chair in the Liberal Arts and Professor of Economics

A PHI BETA KAPPA INSTITUTION SINCE 1997

BK

OUR

361-ACRE WATERFRONT CAMPUS LIES IN THE HEART OF THE CHESAPEAKE BAY REGION.

“Everyone is so close here. I never go a day without waving ‘hi’ to someone on the way to class or seeing someone I know having lunch outside. It’s just such a nice tight-knit community that I feel like I am a part of.”

EMILY VANCE ’25, English and ILC/Spanish

1634

A NEW BEGINNING FOR COLONISTS AT WHAT WOULD BECOME MARYLAND’S FIRST CAPITAL (ST. MARY’S CITY)

1840

A SCHOOL IS FOUNDED, AS A “LIVING MONUMENT” TO THOSE ORIGINAL COLONISTS.

1992

SMCM IS DESIGNATED BY THE STATE OF MARYLAND AS ITS HONORS COLLEGE, AND TODAY IS THE NATIONAL PUBLIC HONORS COLLEGE.

BECOME a SEAHAWK

Whether you love to be out on the water, on the field or on the court, there’s a varsity or club team for you here. Most important thing to note about Seahawks? Our athletes care just as much about their academic performance as they do their athletic skills, and our coaches — some of the best in the country — take pride in that.

1 ) JAMES P. MULDOON RIVER CENTER AND TEDDY TURNER WATERFRONT

2 ) JAMIE L. ROBERTS STADIUM

3 ) SOMERSET TENNIS COMPLEX

4 ) MICHAEL P. O’BRIEN ATHLETICS AND RECREATION CENTER

5 ) THE HAWK’S NEST BASEBALL STADIUM

Baseball Basketball

Cross Country

Lacrosse

Rowing

Sailing (co-ed)

Soccer Swimming Tennis Track & Field

NCAA DIVISION III

ASSOCIATION

Basketball Cross Country Field Hockey

Lacrosse

Rowing

Sailing (women’s and co-ed)

Major: Chemistry

Hometown: Leonardtown, MD

Varsity Soccer, Defender

“Life at a small school like St. Mary’s College means you have the capacity to experience the full potential of what this school’s programs have to offer: a diverse educational framework, the opportunity to form close personal and professional relationships with professors, reputable (and winning!) athletics programs.”

Soccer Swimming

Tennis

Track & Field Volleyball

VARSITY MEN’S SPORTS

REAVA POTTER (right)

Director of Varsity Track & Field and Cross Country programs

“What impresses me the most about my student athletes is how they are able to handle being a student athlete on top of being very involved on campus. They do it very well and show up every day ready to work.”

ANDREW DURST ’23 (left)

VARSITY WOMEN’S SPORTS

EXTRA-CURRICULARS are not EXTRA

THEY’RE ESSENTIAL. As a school that offers nearly 70 student-led clubs, it’s not surprising that a majority of our students are involved in multiple activities and organizations.

“Dance Club is full of people from different majors and academic journeys. It’s nice to be in that atmosphere during the semester so that you’re active but you’re also having a lot of fun.”

CLAIRE WEEDON ‘25 , English and performing arts

ACADEMIC

Anthropology Club

AVATAR Literary Magazine

Economics Club

History Club

Philosophy Club

Pre-Law Advisory Network

SMCM PreHealth Club

St Mary’s American Chemical Society & Biomolecular Organization of St Mary’s Students

St. Mary’s College Republicans

St.Mary’s Neuroscience Club

The Maryland Student Legislature Club

ATHLETICS

Club Sports

Club Softball

Equestrian Club

Hawkettes Cheer and Dance Team

Offshore Sailing Club

St. Mary’s Climbing Cub

St. Mary’s Fencing Club

St. Mary’s Men’s Rugby Club

St. Mary’s Offshore Sailing

St. Mary’s Ultimate Team

St. Mary’s Windsurfing club

Intramurals

Varsity Sports (21 teams)

CULTURAL

African Student Association

Alianza

Asian Pacific Islander American Culture Club

Best Buddies

Black Student Union

Catholic Seahawks

InterVarsity Christian Fellowship

Jewish Student Union

Native American Awareness Club

St. Mary’s Triangle and Rainbow Society

Transgenda

PERFORMANCE

Burlesque Club

Dance Club

InterChorus

Sistas Steppas Club

SMC Drum Corps

Smcm powerbuilding club

Take One! Improv

The Nightingale Acapella

Zero Degrees

SERVICE & SOCIAL CHANGE

Habitat for Humanity

Relay/Bark for Life

SMCM Relay For Life

SPECIAL INTEREST

Animal Career Club

Anime Club

Archers of St. Mary’s

ART CLUB: Art In Life

Chancellor’s Point Club

Creative Writing Club

Energize

Historical Swordsmanship Society

Kate Farm Club

Knits for the Needy

Morgan’s Message Club

NERF Wars

Seahawks Volleyball Club

SMCM Chess Club

SMCM Music Club

Spike Ball Club

St. Mary’s Automotive Association

St. Mary’s College Democrats

Sustainability Club

Tabletop Club

The Point News

Vegetarian Co-op

Video Game Club

Winners at Ping Pong

WE’RE ALL in this TOGETHER

Our professors and staff are advisers, advocates, confidants and friends. To us, personal attention, support and collaboration aren’t just buzzwords, they’re part of our promise to you. Add our guarantee of campus housing for all students and you’ve got something special.

YOU MIGHT EXPECT A COLLEGE THAT’S ENTIRELY HONORS TO BE INTIMIDATING AND COMPETITIVE — ONE GIANT FREE SOLO CLIMB. That couldn’t be further from our truth.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

ADVISING

PEER MENTORS

TUTORING

WRITING AND SPEAKING CENTER

MENTAL HEALTH

DAILY COUNSELING

WALK-IN HOURS

INDIVIDUAL & GROUP

THERAPY

24/7 HELPLINE

CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES

PSYCHIATRIC MEDICATION

MANAGEMENT

PEER HEALTH EDUCATION & SUPPORT

TOP 5

WE’VE BEEN RANKED 5TH FOR “HAPPIEST STUDENTS” BY THE PRINCETON REVIEW

HEALTHCARE

MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS

REFERRALS

MEDICATION

LAB TESTING

FIRST AID & SELF-CARE SUPPLIES

PHYSICAL FITNESS

AQUATICS CENTER

FITNESS CENTER

CLIMBING WALL

KAYAKS

PADDLE BOARDS

SAILBOATS

TOP 25

ST. MARY’S COLLEGE RANKED IN THE TOP 25 HEALTHIEST COLLEGES IN THE U.S., ACCORDING TO GREATIST

#1

BEST COLLEGE FOOD IN MARYLAND (NICHE, 2023)

“After visiting St. Mary’s College with my mom, I knew this was a place where I would really thrive. The small community and extensive resources and opportunities available to students really sealed the deal for me. Plus, the campus is beautiful!”

ELLA PRICE ’25, History

WHERE SEAHAWKS GO AFTER HERE MAYBE YOU KNOW WHAT YOU WANT TO DO, MAYBE YOU’RE NOT THERE YET. EITHER WAY, WITH THE HONORS-LEVEL LIBERAL ARTS DEGREE YOU’LL EARN HERE, YOU’LL BE PREPARED FOR MULTIPLE CAREER PATHWAYS — WITH THE SKILLS TO BE AMAZING AND THE CONNECTIONS TO GET AHEAD. OUR GRADS ARE OLYMPIC ATHLETES, AUTHORS, ATTORNEYS, PHYSICIANS, JUDGES, CEOS, BIOCHEMISTS, AND BEYOND. AND THEY’RE EVERYWHERE. TAKE A LOOK.

STEPHON DINGLE ’12 History

LES WALKER ’13 Anthropology

Lorem ipsum

STACY HOPE '04 Anthropology & Student-designed

PhD in social anthropology at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland.

KENYA, AFRICA

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA

Consultant for United Nations in Kenya to represent indigenous population concerns with local mining operations.

MINING. Stacy is managing director of Women in Mining UK, based in London. She advocates for women's access to equity and participation in the mining sector.

TELEVISION. After serving as morning anchor at WLKY News in Louisville, Kentucky from 2019-2022, Stephon joined WJZ in his hometown of Baltimore in Oct. 2022.

SINGER AND PERFORMER. Named D.C.’s “Queen of the Blues” and a 2021 Wammie Awardee for Best Blues Artist.

“I’m self taught when it comes to code and tech, and have a B.A. in psychology, focusing on social interactions and research best practices. These two sides of my education came together when I discovered the field of UX and have led me to where I am now.”

KAIT HINES ’10, psychology

“We want to ensure that ALL students who join our community not only have the potential and capacity to succeed but that we provide an environment where they can truly thrive.”

TUAJUANDA C. JORDAN, PHD, President

READY FOR AN EDUCATION ON PAR WITH THE BEST PRIVATE LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES, AT THE COST OF A PUBLIC INSTITUTION, IN A SETTING THAT’S BREATHTAKINGLY BEAUTIFUL? That’s what you’ll find here.

JOIN US.

VISIT

Come for a tour. Sign up for an event. Dip your toes in the water, literally. smcm.edu/visit

APPLY

Feeling excited? Act on that impulse. Some of the best journeys begin from a single moment of spontaneity. smcm.edu/apply/

AFFORD

You’ll get the best of both: a close-knit private school experience at a public school cost. Check out these financial aid opportunities: smcm.edu/afford/

ST. MARY’S COLLEGE OF MARYLAND WAS FOUNDED IN 1840. OUR 361-ACRE

WATERFRONT CAMPUS LIES IN THE HEART OF THE CHESAPEAKE BAY REGION, ADJACENT TO HISTORIC ST. MARY’S CITY, MARYLAND — THE 4TH-OLDEST

PERMANENT ENGLISH SETTLEMENT IN NORTH AMERICA.

ST. MARY’S COLLEGE OF MARYLAND AT-A-GLANCE

ACADEMICS

• 65 academic programs

• Degrees offered: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

• 69% of St. Mary’s College students major or minor in a second academic discipline

• 120 full-time faculty

• 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio means you’ll get personalized attention

• 25 study abroad programs

• 70% conducted research with faculty (Class of 2022)

• Member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society

CAMPUS LIFE

• #1 for best college food in Maryland (Niche.com)

• 82% of students live on campus (2022-23)

• 8 residential areas (co-ed and single-sex halls, suites, apartments and townhouses)

• 23 varsity athletic teams (NCAA Division III, InterCollegiate Sailing Association, Mid-Atlantic Rowing Conference)

• Nearly 70 student clubs and organizations

ENROLLMENT

• 1536 students (fall 2022)

• 31% of students are from historically marginalized communities (fall 2022)

• Mathematics

MAJORS

• Anthropology

- Archaeology*

• Art

• Asian Studies

• Biochemistry

• Biology

• Business Administration & Management

• Chemistry

• Computer Science

• Economics

• English

• Environmental Studies

• History

• International Languages & Cultures

- Spanish

• Marine Science

• Neuroscience

• Performing Arts

- Integrated Performing Arts*

- Music*

- Theater, Dance & Performance Studies*

• Philosophy

• Physics

- Applied Physics

• Political Science

• Psychology

• Public Policy Studies

• Sociology

• Student-Designed MINORS

• African & African Diaspora Studies

• Anthropology

ACADEMIC PROFILE

(middle 50%)

• 3.9-4.2 (weighted GPA)

• 3.6-3.8 (unweighted GPA)

LOCATION

• Our 361-acre waterfront campus lies in the heart of the Chesapeake Bay region, adjacent to historic St. Mary’s City, Maryland.

• Distance to Campus (in miles/driving time)

Annapolis: 70 mi/1hr 30 min

Washington, D.C.: 75 mi/1 hr 30 min

Baltimore: 97 mi/2 hr

Richmond: 114 mi/2 hr 10 min

San Diego: 2667 mi/40 hr

NYC: 279 mi/5 hr 30 min

PROGRAMS OF STUDY

• Art

• Asian Studies

• Biology

• Business Administration

• Computer Science

• Creative Writing

• Economics

• Educational Studies

• English

• Environmental Studies

• History

• International Languages & Cultures

- Chinese

- French

- Spanish

• Materials Science

• Mathematics

• Museum Studies

• Music

TESTING (test optional)

(middle 50%)

• SAT: 1130-1350

• ACT: 28-30

TUITION & FEES

Tuition is frozen for the foreseeable future

• Maryland: $12,116

• District of Columbia: $22,116

• Out of State: $28,192

• Fees: $3,064

• Room: $8,168 to $10,006

• Board: $6,096 to $6,594

FINANCIAL AID/ SCHOLASHIPS

• 98% of students receive merit scholarships or need-based aid.

• The Landers Scholars program awards 4 students a full tuition, fees, room and board scholarship per year

• Musical Arts Administration

• Neuroscience

• Philosophy

• Physics

• Political Science

• Sociology

• Special Education

• Theater Studies

• Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies

CROSSDISCIPLINARY

• African & African Diaspora Studies

• Asian Studies

• Environmental Studies

• Museum Studies

• Neuroscience

• Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies

LEARN MORE AT SMCM.EDU

PRE-PROFESSIONAL

• Pre-Dentistry

• Pre-Engineering

• Pre-Law

• Pre-Medicine

• Pre-Optometry

• Pre-Pharmacy

• Pre-Veterinary Science

DEGREES OFFERED

• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

GRADUATE PROGRAM

• Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

*Concentration