Hinton to step down as CSB president

Mary Hinton, president of the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, announced Feb. 13 that she will step down at the end of this school year.

Hinton, who became the 13th president of the college in 2014, will become the 13th president of Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia, Aug.1.

The CSB community will hold a variety of celebrations this spring to recognize Hinton, thank her for her leadership and service, and wish her well as she embarks on a new leadership opportunity.

“We are grateful for President Hinton’s inspiring leadership over the past six years and for the ways she has positioned St. Ben’s to thrive in the future,” Barb Brandes, chair of the CSB board of trustees, said in a press release. “She has strengthened our commitment to our mission and vision, inspired our students and alumnae, enhanced our financial health and national profile, and reaffirmed our historical commitment to social justice and equity.”

Hinton began at CSB in July 2014. Through a collaborative process, she implemented the college’s vision to provide a liberal arts education preparing women to think critically, lead courageously and advocate passionately, the press release noted.

Hinton has worked to increase inclusion and equity at the college and elevated the school’s national profile through her activity in the national higher education arena.

She also led the process to implement a $43 million campus facilities update, which included the creation of Schoenecker Commons, new athletic facilities (including soccer and softball fields, practice fields and an athletics building) and significant renovations to the Main Building (built in 1913 as the original college building) as well as updates to Clemens Library.

During her tenure, for the first time in the college’s history, a strategic plan, called “Strategic Directions 2020,” was created and fulfilled in partnership with St. John’s University in Collegeville.

“President Hinton’s heart for educating women has been evident throughout her tenure, and she has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to vision a future and motivate others toward that vision,” said Benedictine Susan Rudolph, prioress of St. Benedict’s Monastery. “Similar to St. Ben’s, Hollins is a private women’s college whose mission is to nurture civility, integrity and concern for others. Mary’s educational standards call others to be their best. We have been gifted by her presence and by the wonderful insights that have become guiding lights.”