Cindy Jebb Is The 5th President Of Ramapo College

MAHWAH, NJ — Cindy Jebb is the next President of Ramapo College, succeeding Peter Mercer, who served in the role for 16 years. She will be the first woman to serve in the role since the college's inception in 1969.

Jebb comes to Ramapo after a nearly 40-year career in the United States military, including roles at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Her tenure begins on July 6, the Mahwah college announced.

"Dr. Jebb brings a wealth of diverse experiences, networks, and perspectives to Ramapo College. Her passion for the liberal arts, her commitment to inclusion and student success, her long-standing dedication to public service, and her infectious and inspiring enthusiasm for Ramapo’s future make her the ideal choice to lead our College through its next chapter," said Board of Trustees Chair Susan A. Vallario, who led the college's 18-month search process.

Jebb retires from the U.S. Army this summer with the rank of Brigadier General after 39 years of service.

Her career has been varied. She taught college courses, published three books, served as a member on the Council on Foreign Relations and conducted human security research in Africa as part of her various command and staff positions in the military.

Academically, Jebb served as Professor and Head of the Department of Social Sciences at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point before assuming the duties as Dean of the Academic Board there. She earned a Ph.D. in Political Science from Duke University, an M.A. in Political Science from Duke, an M.A. in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College, and a B.S. from the United States Military Academy at West Point.

"I would like to thank the Chair of the Board of Trustees Susan Vallario, the Board of Trustees, President Mercer, the Search Committee, and the Ramapo community for such a warm and gracious welcome," said Jebb.

"I am inspired by the College’s mission of education, grounded in the liberal arts, and I deeply admire the passion, commitment, and talents of everyone I have met towards dignity and respect, character-building, and a student-focused powerful learning environment. All that is at stake in our nation and our world puts Ramapo’s mission and values in sharp focus, and I look forward to partnering with students, faculty, staff, alumni and the greater Ramapo community as together we chart the future."

Jebb follows in the footsteps of Mercer, who led the college in "substantial physical and academic growth" during his 16-year tenure. Mercer was also tasked with handling the coronavirus pandemic at Ramapo, the remnants of which Jebb will likely have to navigate during the early days of her presidency.

"The story of Ramapo College has been one of which I am most proud to be a part. That story will continue and it will grow when Dr. Jebb steps into the presidency," said Mercer.

"Guided by her own lived experiences as a professor, a chief academic officer, and a military intelligence officer, I believe Dr. Jebb brings with her the stability, compassion, and strategic leadership that our students deserve and that our College requires to thrive in these complex times."

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