Meet President Heather A. Smith

President Heather A. Smith brings over 25 years of administration experience to her role leading the College of Saint Mary (CSM). With a proven record in leadership and innovation, she was appointed as CSM’s eighth president in July 2023. Smith is dedicated to advancing the institution’s century-long legacy of academic excellence. She is committed to fostering a vibrant and inclusive campus community, enhancing student success through personalized education and expanding partnerships with industry and community organizations to provide students with unparalleled opportunities. 

Before her appointment at College of Saint Mary, she was Children's Nebraska's vice president of ambulatory services. In this role, she held executive responsibility for the operations of 28 specialty divisions and spearheaded the creation of innovative programs while optimizing efficiency in local and regional outreach locations. She previously served as the vice president of pediatrics at the same hospital. Smith also held leadership positions as the vice president of operations for Children's Specialty Physicians and as the chief administrative officer for Children's Physicians.  

Event Information 

We are pleased to welcome the CSM community, faculty, staff, alumni, and other invited guests to campus at 3 p.m.on Friday, September 12 to celebrate the inauguration of Heather A. Smith as the eighth president of College of Saint Mary.

Guests attending the installation should plan to arrive 20 to 30 minutes early. See campus map for parking.

Inauguration Week Events

Watch live

Campus Map

Inauguration activities are at College of Saint Mary’s campus at 7000 Mercy Road, Omaha, NE 68106.

View campus map 

Directions

From Eppley Airfield

1. Turn right onto Abbott Drive.
2. Continue onto Arthur C. Storz Expressway.
3. Use left lane to merge onto US-75 South via the ramp to I-480 South.
4. Continue on US-75 South. Take I-480 South and I-80 W est to 72nd Street.
5. Take exit 449 from I-80 West.
6. Keep right at the fork, follow signs for 72nd Street and merge onto 72nd Street.
7. Continue on 72nd Street.
8. Turn right on Mercy Road. Turn left at the campus entrance.

From I-80 Westbound/ I-29

1. Head west on I-80 West.
2. Take exit 449 to 72nd Street.
3. Keep right at the fork, follow signs for 72nd Street and merge onto 72nd Street.
4. Turn right on Mercy Road. Turn left at the campus entrance.

From I-80 Eastbound/ Lincoln

1. Head northeast on I-80 East.
2. Continue straight to stay on I-80 East.
3. Take exit 449 to 72nd Street.
4. Use the left lane to keep left at the fork.
5. Turn left onto 72nd Street.
6. Continue on 72nd Street.
7. Turn right on Mercy Road. Turn left at the campus entrance.

Accommodations

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott
7002 Grover Street
Reservations: 402-991-6001 or book online

Hampton Inn by Hilton​
1401 S. 72^nd Street
Reservations: 402-933-5510

Academic Procession

College faculty, cabinet members, stage party, delegates and others participating in the procession should begin arriving at 2 p.m.

The procession will begin forming at 2:30 p.m. The ceremony starts at 3 p.m. with a reception to follow.

Academic representatives should wear appropriate regalia for their field of study from their academic institution.

More specific details about where to check in will be communicated by email in advance.

Please lock valuables out of sight before checking in.