Heather Smith inaugurated as eighth president of College of Saint Mary

OMAHA, Neb. – Heather Smith was inaugurated as the eighth president of College of Saint Mary (CSM) on September 12. 

“Already, I’ve been stunned by the devotion you show this institution every day. I have seen the fire in the eyes of our faculty, our staff, our students, our benefactors and our volunteers,” Smith said during her inaugural address. “You have led me to fall in love with the College of Saint Mary. I will work to be worthy of your trust in me. I will give everything I have to be worthy of this transforming gift from the Sisters of Mercy.”  

During the installation ceremony, dignitaries and guests, such as local and state politicians, presidents and delegates from other colleges and universities, Archbishop Michael McGovern from the Archdiocese of Omaha, former CSM president Maryanne Stevens, the Sisters of Mercy, CSM Board of Directors and the CSM leadership cabinet, were in attendance, some offering messages of support. 

“This momentous occasion affirms the College of Saint Mary's enduring legacy as a leader in advancing women’s education and shaping generations of women of purpose, character and accomplishment. President Smith's leadership, vision, and dedication will further strengthen the College’s mission and vital role in higher education,” said Martha Malinski, executive director of the Women’s College Coalition. 

Politicians shared messages of congratulations and highlighted the importance of the College's impact on the Omaha community.

“College of Saint Mary holds a special and essential place in Omaha—empowering more than 500 undergraduate and 250 graduate and professional students each year to become the courageous, compassionate leaders our future needs. I am inspired by the values the Sisters of Mercy infuse in this education and by the priorities President Smith has articulated and are worth repeating: forming leaders who serve with integrity; serving the common good, together; answering the call of the Sisters of Mercy’s Critical Concerns; linking learning to the real world; supporting mentorship; promoting experiential learning; and emphasizing the importance of belonging,” said Mayor of Omaha John Ewing in a letter read during the ceremony by his wife and former CSM board member Vivyonne Ewing. 

McGovern offered a message of support and the closing prayer during the ceremony.

“President Smith, may you receive every gift of the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you. Know that I and the clergy and faithful of the Archdiocese of Omaha are with you. Together may we be ambassadors of hope, sharing the Peace of Christ with our waiting world,” he said. 

A presentation of symbols of heritage was included in the inauguration ceremony. Smith was presented with eight symbols, including the Mercy Cross, a portrait of Mother Leo Gallagher, a Walking Woman statue, the College of Saint Mary seal and a crown of flowers in honor of Saint Mary, the Patron Saint of the College. 

Sister Patricia Flynn, first councilor on the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas Institute leadership team, conducted the missioning ceremony on behalf of the Sisters of Mercy. The investiture of the president was presented by Sue Weiler-Doke ‘85, chair of the CSM Board of Directors. Weiler-Doke and Stevens presented Smith with the presidential medallion inscribed with the names of the previous presidents of the College and the CSM seal. Smith then signed the official Conference for Mercy Higher Education Covenant, a promise to carry out the mission of the Sisters of Mercy at CSM. 

Smith’s passion for empowering women to become bold leaders who make a positive impact in the community and in the world brought her to CSM in July 2023. 

She brought over 25 years of administration experience with a proven record in leadership and innovation. Since becoming president, Smith developed an ambitious strategic plan and five-year growth plan. 

“Just as the Sisters of Mercy have done, we will always evolve to meet the needs of a world in constant motion,” Smith said during her inaugural address. “Our university, and the creative, committed people who power it, have shown they can adapt CSM to new challenges and new opportunities, and open new paths for our students to express every bit of their potential, so they can make a difference where the world needs them most.” 

Before her appointment at CSM, 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.