Vice President Van Vlerah named President of Notre Dame of Maryland University
Jun 1, 2026
Manchester University is delighted to share that Vice President for Student Life Abby Van Vlerah has been selected to serve as president of Notre Dame of Maryland University in Baltimore, Md.
She will start there on July 6. Her last day at Manchester is June 25.
Van Vlerah redefined the role of vice president for student life at Manchester, elevating student success, enrollment, and institutional strategy in both North Manchester and Fort Wayne.
She came to Manchester with more than a decade of leadership experience in higher education, including as an academic dean and chief operating officer, and she leaves for a wonderful opportunity.
“As a practicing Catholic and a graduate of a Catholic women’s college, I am deeply aligned with Notre Dame of Maryland University’s mission and the charism of the School Sisters of Notre Dame,” Van Vlerah said. “The opportunity to lead an institution where faith, justice, education and transformation are not aspirational ideals but lived commitments, is personally meaningful and professionally compelling.”
Throughout her career, Van Vlerah intentionally took on roles that prepared her for the full scope and complexity of becoming a university president. Manchester has benefited from her broad base of knowledge and willingness to tackle the most challenging issues.
One of the most outstanding examples of this was during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she chaired the rapid response group.
An enthusiastic volunteer, Van Vlerah can be seen at most North Manchester community events. She has served as vice president of the North Manchester Historical Society and Steuben Regional Lakes Waste District, a United Fund of Wabash County board member, and a Madeleva Society Steering Committee member at Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Ind.
Van Vlerah joined Manchester in February 2019. She had previously served as dean and chief operating officer at Long Island University’s Suffolk County regional campuses.
Before that, she was director of a mentoring program for first-generation students at Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. She has also worked at Saint Mary’s and the University of Wyoming. As a first-generation college student herself, she is passionate about supporting first-generation students as they navigate through the difficulties of attending university.
Originally from Angola, Ind., she is an avid motorcyclist and runner.
“At my core, my vision for higher education is one that is unapologetically mission-driven and sufficiently nimble to meet a rapidly changing world,” Van Vlerah said of her new role at Notre Dame of Maryland University.
For the media
Abby Van Vlerah holds a bachelor’s degree from Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana, a master’s degree in American Studies from the University of Wyoming, and a doctorate in American Culture Studies from Bowling Green State University in Ohio.
Key professional highlights
Manchester University (2019-current)
Served as chief student affairs and academic operations officer, managing a $20 million budget and overseeing more than 70 employees in student services, athletics, academic support and operations, and mental health.
Collaborated with the Town of North Manchester and key stakeholders to gain a $12.1 million grant to improve local infrastructure and support community relationships.
Developed data dashboards to unify strategic decision making during the strategic planning process, establishing benchmarks and measurable goals.
Created a health sciences recruitment plan focused on strengthening Manchester’s undergraduate-to-graduate pipelines and collaborations to make sure industry needs are met.
Developed and implemented a holistic retention strategy that increased first-year retention by 7 percent within one year.
Long Island University (2013-2018), Brookville, N.Y., dean and chief operating officer, Suffolk regional campuses
Directed $16 million budget for two regional campuses.
Rebuilt and revitalized Student Affairs Division.
Led LIU Cares community service program, achieving more than 140,000 volunteer hours annually.
Other Professional Roles
Bowling Green State University: Project Developer for Academic Initiatives, Office of the Provost
Mercy College: Director PACT Program, Assistant Director PACT Program
Trine University: Director of Campus Safety
Saint Mary’s College: Interim Director of Student Involvement, Associate Director of Student Involvement
University of Wyoming: Conferences and Convocations Coordinator, AmeriCorps Volunteer Center for Volunteer Service
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