Dr. Julia Jasken

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Dr. Julia Jasken became the 10th president of McDaniel College on June 1, 2021, and the second woman president in the institution’s over 150-year history. A native of Moorhead, Minnesota, she holds a bachelor’s degree from the College of Saint Benedict, a master’s degree from Northern Illinois University and a Ph.D. from Michigan Technological University.

Jasken joined McDaniel as an English professor in 2003, specializing in new media pedagogy and professional writing. As provost before her presidency, she designed the McDaniel Commitment, emphasizing experiential learning and alumni connections. Her five-year strategic plan increased student retention and undergraduate enrollment.

Jasken serves on the Board of Trustees for the Maryland Independent College and University Association and the NCAA Division III Presidents Council. She has received recognition as a Baltimore Sun Woman to Watch and a two-time honoree of The Daily Record’s Top 100 Women in Maryland. She resides in Westminster with her husband, David, and two sons.

What is your biggest accomplishment?

I am proud of the significant increase in student retention and strong undergraduate enrollment that we have had as a direct result of McDaniel’s current strategic plan, “Reaching New Heights.” We are in the process of constructing state-of-the-art facilities for new programs, as well as a new outdoor track and field facility and locker rooms for McDaniel student-athletes. We are also committed to further supporting access to our student-faculty summer research program.

What is the biggest challenge facing higher education institutions?

In the current landscape, higher education is under intense scrutiny, facing unprecedented challenges that range from enrollment pressures and student mental health concerns to questions about the value of a college degree. Institutions must also navigate shifting federal and state regulations. Despite these challenges, I am honored to lead a community that remains steadfast in its student-centered mission — responding not with hesitation, but with flexibility, creativity, and resolve.

What do you do to unwind?

In June, my family and I rescued a border collie named Hitch from our local Humane Society. Border collies are incredibly bright and we’ve been having a lot of fun teaching him new tricks, taking him to obedience courses, and learning his favorite spots on campus during our walks.

This profile is part of The Daily Record's Higher Education Power List for 2025. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. See the full list at origintdrdev.wpengine.com.