Judson R. Shaver

About

President Shaver facilitated College-wide planning efforts that led to the creation and successful implementation of a facilities master plan and three comprehensive strategic plans, each rooted in the heritage, values and strengths of Marymount Manhattan and focused on advancing the Mission by improving academic quality, strengthening finances and enhancing facilities.

President Shaver’s fundamental commitment to improving the College’s academic quality was realized in a larger, accomplished full-time faculty that enhanced the curriculum, worked intensively with students, and produced an impressive body of scholarly and artistic work. The number of outstanding students grew significantly, evidenced by their receipt of prestigious fellowships, admission to top-tier graduate programs, and their post-graduate enjoyment of meaningful employment.

Recognizing that an absolute prerequisite for academic excellence is financial viability, President Shaver reduced College debt and increased the endowment, earned an investment grade rating from Moody’s, and achieved an operating surplus each year while holding tuition relatively low and increasing financial aid significantly. President Shaver stressed fundraising and spearheaded the most successful comprehensive campaign in the history of the College, This is the Day, which raised a total of $37 million. A special focus of President Shaver’s fundraising was the Marymount Manhattan College Program at the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, New York State’s maximum-security prison for women. 

Prior to his tenure at Marymount Manhattan College, President Shaver served as Provost, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Professor of Religious Studies at Iona College and as Dean and Associate Professor of Religion at Regis University. Prior to that he was an Assistant Professor at Wheeling College and an Associate Professor at Seattle University. President Shaver received a B.A. in Religious Studies from Southern California College and earned his M.A. and Ph.D. in Christianity and Judaism in Antiquity at the University of Notre Dame.

A video honoring President Shaver’s tenure with the College may be seen below: