Springfield College Trustees Approve Contract Extension for President Mary-Beth Cooper
Springfield, MA (03/06/2026) — The Springfield College Board of Trustees voted unanimously to extend the contract of President Mary-Beth Cooper beyond its original end date of June 2027.
"President Cooper has led our institution through a period of real and sustained challenge in higher education, navigating uncertainty from multiple directions with steadiness. At a time when presidential tenures are growing shorter, her continued commitment to this institution stands out. She has not only guided us forward, but consistently pushes us to think more boldly about our mission and its relevance. Her leadership reinforces that our work is not only distinctive, but essential to the communities we serve now more than ever," said Springfield College Board of Trustees Chair Marenda Brown-Stitzer '78.
President Cooper's long-standing impact is evident in the vision and momentum she has brought to Springfield College. Under her leadership, the College completed the largest capital campaign in its history in 2024, has more than doubled the endowment, and enrolled some of the largest and most academically accomplished classes to date. Her tenure also included the construction of the Brown Cooper Health Sciences Center, the renovation of the Harold C. Smith Learning Commons, the development of multiple strategic plans that continue to guide the direction of the institution, most recently with Springfield College 2035: Leading Forward. Since becoming the 13th President of Springfield College in 2013, she has ushered both sustained progress and a clear focus for the College's future. Known for her student-centered approach, the Board is pleased that she has agreed to continue in this role moving forward.
"Serving as President of Springfield College has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life. The daily interactions with our students, the partnership of our faculty and staff, the engagement of alumni, friends of the College and families, and the collaboration with our Trustees are what truly define the meaningful work we do together," said Cooper. "Our mission remains the foundation for every decision we make and the compass that anchors our purpose. I am humbled to serve and to help lead Springfield College into the future and to steward a legacy that will continue to endure for generations to come."
Springfield College is an independent, nonprofit, coeducational institution founded in 1885. The College serves undergraduate and graduate students at its campus in Springfield, Massachusetts and online. Springfield College inspires students through the guiding principles of its Humanics philosophy - educating in spirit, mind, and body for leadership in service to others.
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President Mary-Beth Cooper
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