Emmanuel College Names Beth Ross, Ed.D. as its 14th President

by Emmanuel College

Boston, MA (02/07/2024) — The Emmanuel College Board of Trustees has voted unanimously to appoint Beth Ross, Ed.D., as the College's 14th President. The appointment, effective immediately, follows Dr. Ross's successful six-month tenure as Acting President, during which she steered a strategic course for the College, building on her 23 years of committed service to Emmanuel.

"By her energetic leadership, Dr. Beth Ross has proven a superb successor to the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur who have preceded her in the Office of the President," said Margaret L. McKenna, Chair of the Board of Trustees and a 1983 graduate of Emmanuel. "Dr. Ross brings to the presidency a fervent belief in the importance and potential of Emmanuel in its second century. In particular, she has a profound grasp of the opportunities arising from the convergence of Emmanuel's mission, values, and people with the explosion of growth and opportunity in our immediate Longwood and Fenway neighborhoods and throughout Boston."

President Ross's appointment comes at a time of significant institutional momentum. Emmanuel recently established majors in Biotechnology, Computer Science, Finance, and other in-demand fields, and opened a four-year undergraduate Nursing program, complete with a state-of-the-art Nursing Skills Laboratory. In addition, the College has expanded opportunities for students to engage in internships with leading organizations throughout Boston, and in original research and scholarship in collaboration with faculty mentors. The impact of these experiences is reflected in the consistent success of graduates in securing full-time job offers, as well as admittance to prestigious graduate programs.

"I embrace this role with excitement for all the possibilities that lie before the College-and for all that we as a community will do to unleash the potential of current and future Emmanuel students," said President Ross. "Emmanuel is ready to flourish as never before. With our superb programs, indomitable spirit, and strategic location in the heart of Boston, we stand at an incomparable crossroads. And our potential is boundless."

Prior to her appointment as Acting President last August, Dr. Ross served the College in roles of increasing responsibility, including, most recently, Dean of Institutional Effectiveness/Chief Data Officer. Over the years, she has earned the esteem and admiration of her peers for her professionalism, contributions to campus life, and participation in volunteer service. She holds a doctorate in Higher Education Leadership from Regis College and a master's degree in Higher Education Administration from Suffolk University.

"Dr. Beth Ross is the ideal person to lead Emmanuel in its second century," said President Emerita Sister Janet Eisner, SNDdeN, known as Emmanuel's "second founder" for her transformational 43-year presidency. "Having worked with Beth for over two decades, I know well how deeply committed she is to sustaining and advancing our Catholic educational mission and to forming students in every dimension-intellect, body, and spirit. I have every confidence that, under her leadership, Emmanuel will become an ever more potent force for good in the lives of young people."