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Marylou Yam
President
Notre Dame of Maryland University
PresidentDr. Marylou Yam, president of Notre Dame of Maryland University, has been a transformative force in higher education since her appointment in 2014. Under her leadership, the university has experienced significant growth, including record-breaking fundraising, increased enrollment and expansion of academic programs.
Yam’s innovative approach led to the acquisition of Maryland University of Integrative Health in 2024, positioning NDMU as the nation’s first comprehensive university with a dedicated school of integrative health. This move is expected to nearly double the university’s graduate enrollment.
Yam’s service extends beyond the university, having been appointed to the Maryland Commission on Women by then-Gov. Larry Hogan in 2015 and serving on various boards, including the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.
Yam’s leadership style emphasizes collaboration and respect. “My leadership style is one of collaboration, respect for the expertise of others and I aim to inspire a culture of unity,” she said. This approach proved particularly effective during the challenges posed by COVID-19, allowing the university to adapt successfully to online learning while continuing to progress on strategic goals.
A registered nurse by training, Yam has championed the development of innovative health care programs at NDMU. The university launched the state’s first bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in art therapy and became the first private university in Maryland to offer a master’s in physician assistant studies.
