Marian Court Names Fourth President

The Marian Court College Board of Trustees has unanimously approved the appointment of Dr. Denise A. Hammon as the college’s fourth president. She had been serving as interim president since last August.

Hammon’s appointment, made official at a trustees’ meeting on Jan. 24, was announced by board Chairman Shawn Potter.

“Denise is an exceptional leader and an extraordinary individual (who is) committed to the future of Marian Court,”‘ Potter said. “Denise brings a contagious enthusiasm for progress and new ideas, and has demonstrated the ability to transform those ideas into reality.”

Hammon earned undergraduate and master’s degrees from Harvard University and a doctorate in law and policy from Northeastern University. She has served as the academic dean at Marian Court since 2010, overseeing the college’s transition to a four-year school with the addition of bachelor’s degree programs in business administration and criminal justice.

Hammon said she would focus on expanding the college’s academic offerings while maintaining Marian Court’s high retention and graduation rate and diverse student body. She has also pledged to increase the college’s outreach to high school students and adult learners on the North Shore.

“It is an honor to lead Marian Court into a future that is rich with opportunities,” Hammon said. “With the support of the entire college community, I know that we will continue to provide students with the academic resources needed to succeed while helping them to embrace and engage in the Mercy core values.”

Marian Court is a private, four-year, liberal arts college that attracts students mostly from the North Shore area. The college, located on a beautiful seaside estate, was founded in 1964 by the Sisters of Mercy.

Hammon brings more than 20 years of higher-education experience to her new role. Prior to joining Marian Court College in August 2010, she served for 14 years as vice president for policy and research at the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts. Hammon also worked at Wentworth Institute of Technology in enrollment management and marketing, and at Lesley University in government relations and regulatory compliance. Gov. Deval Patrick appointed her to the board of trustees at Massachusetts Maritime Academy in 2010.

Hammon and her husband reside in Swampscott.

This article was submitted by Marian Court College.