Release courtesy of Ursinus College Communications
Jill Leauber Marsteller ’78, P’18, a proud Ursinus College alumna, passionate champion for the liberal arts, and, most recently, the college’s senior vice president for advancement, has been named interim president of Ursinus by the board of trustees, effective September 1.
She becomes the college’s 18th president and the first woman to lead the 152-year-old institution.
Marsteller’s tenure will begin on September 1, 2021. Brock Blomberg, who has led the college since 2015, announced in June that he is stepping down.
“Ursinus is a highly esteemed institution of higher learning that has a historic legacy of approaching the liberal arts in a distinctive and meaningful way,” said Marsteller. “I’m grateful to have the opportunity to guide a wonderful community of learners during this transition period.”
Ursinus Board Chair Rob Wonderling P’16 reported the news in a campus announcement, drawing attention to Marsteller’s lifelong commitments to education and service as hallmarks of her distinguished career. Marsteller earned her bachelor’s degree from Ursinus, graduating cum laude with honors in English in 1978, and her master’s degree from Villanova University. She began her professional career at Ursinus in 1984 as an adjunct lecturer before pursuing a different path in philanthropy and external relations. She served in several transformative leadership roles at Lehigh University, Haverford College, Cedar Crest College, and Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia before ultimately returning to her alma mater.
An interim president search task force, chaired by Trustee Cathy Geczik ’84, led the process over the past month. “Jill embodies a deep commitment to the mission, values, and inclusive nature of Ursinus College,” Geczik said. “And she has the unique perspective and experience of being a student, faculty and staff member, senior administrator, and parent. From those different lenses she will be able to authentically reflect the values of the college today and strongly advocate for its future.”
President Brock Blomberg, who leaves his role on August 31, shares similar sentiments. “Jill reflects the very best of Ursinus. For the past few years, she’s been a colleague and a friend, someone whose enthusiasm for our students is contagious,” Blomberg said. “She’s been such a positive influence wherever she’s been, but nowhere as much as her alma mater. Ursinus will thrive under her leadership.”
An announcement about the next presidential search will be made in early August.