STAUNTON, Va — Dr. Jeffrey P. Stein, vice president for strategic initiatives & partnerships and assistant professor of English at Elon University, has been elected as Mary Baldwin University’s 10th president. Stein will be introduced at a special community gathering at noon, April 14, in James D. Francis Auditorium on MBU’s main campus.

“Jeff Stein’s experiences across academia demonstrate leadership in and out of the classroom, his mastery of strategic planning lifts all campus stakeholders, and his ability to lead in challenging times speaks to a critical moment in higher education,” said MBU Board of Trustees Chair Gabrielle G. “Gabby” McCree ’83. “Above all, Jeff understands the power of higher education to improve the lives of students and their families, and he is compelled by the Mary Baldwin mission. This is a historic moment for MBU, and also an exciting one for the entire university community. I can’t wait for you to meet him.”

Stein will succeed President Pamela R. Fox on July 1, 2023, and will visit campus periodically in the interim to prepare for the presidential transition. Fox will conclude a historic 20-year presidency that began in July 2003. She announced her retirement last August at the annual State of the University address, and the Board of Trustees conducted a national search for her successor. 

A transformational and inclusive senior leader, Stein brings more than 30 years of higher education experience to Mary Baldwin across academic, student engagement and administrative areas of university life. As vice president at Elon, located in Elon, North Carolina, he led development and implementation of the university’s 10-year strategic plan as well as Elon’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He oversees the student professional development center, leadership and professional development, professional and continuing studies, and cultural and special programs.

“I am honored and humbled to be chosen as Mary Baldwin University’s 10th president and thrilled to be joining this dynamic community, which for 181 years has made courageous decisions to change lives through inclusive, experiential, and student-centered education,” Stein said. “I look forward to getting to know and work with students, faculty, staff, alumni, Trustees, and community partners in Mary Baldwin’s next chapter, as together we ensure all students can learn, thrive and bring knowledge, skills and light to our world.”

The 15-member MBU Presidential Search Committee — composed of faculty, staff, alumni, recent graduates, senior leadership, trustees, and former trustees — partnered with executive search firm, Academic Search, to glean insight from the broader university community and recruit a highly qualified and talented pool of candidates. The committee reviewed scores of applications, conducted two rounds of candidate interviews, and identified four finalists. Those candidates traveled to MBU for a final round of meetings with select groups of students, administrators, faculty, and staff. Last month, the committee sent their unanimous recommendation to the Board of Trustees, which elected Stein to serve as the next president.