The Maryland Independent College and University Association (MICUA) proudly announces the appointment of Terrence Sawyer, J.D., as its new Board Chair. Mr. Sawyer, currently serving as President of Loyola University Maryland, brings a wealth of experience and leadership to his new role within the organization. 

Mr. Sawyer brings more than 25 years of higher education leadership experience to the role, including over two decades of service at Loyola, where he has held senior positions in advancement, government relations, administration, and strategic planning. He became the 25th president of Loyola in January 2022. Prior to that role, he helped lead Bright Minds, Bold Hearts, the largest fundraising campaign in the University’s history, which raised more than $100 million to support scholarships, academic initiatives, and student opportunity. His dedication to academic excellence, community engagement, and innovation in higher education will be instrumental in guiding MICUA’s mission and advocacy. 

Mr. Sawyer holds a bachelor’s degree in government and politics from the University of Maryland, a J.D. from Widener University School of Law, and he completed the Institute for Educational Management program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He is also recognized for his leadership in community partnership efforts, including Loyola’s York Road Initiative in Baltimore, which supports local neighborhoods through education, civic engagement, and economic development. 

Joining Mr. Sawyer in leadership positions are Julia Jasken, President of McDaniel College, as Vice Chair; Jerry Joyce, President of Mount St. Mary’s University, as Secretary/Treasurer; and Kent Devereaux, President of Goucher College, as Capital Projects Committee Chair. 

Additionally, MICUA recognizes the outstanding leadership of Dr. Weymouth Spence, President of Washington Adventist University, who served as the Board Chair for the past two years and will now retain a position on the Executive Committee as Past Chair. Dr. Spence’s dedication and strategic guidance have been instrumental in advancing the mission and objectives of MICUA.  

MICUA is a voluntary association that provides public policy leadership in support of independent higher education, fosters cooperative efforts among member institutions and Maryland’s public colleges and universities, serves as the official liaison between independent higher education and the State and Federal governments, and informs citizens about the significance of its 15 member institutions. 

Collectively these 15, fully accredited colleges and universities provide unique educational opportunities to 55,000 students annually, the majority of whom are Maryland residents. The MICUA member institutions have had a remarkable impact on the State’s economic vitality, cultural enrichment, social betterment, and community fabric for over 240 years. 

“We are fortunate to have President Sawyer lead the MICUA Board during this important time for higher education,” said Matthew Power, President of MICUA. “His experience and collaborative approach are assets to the entire Association as we work to support student access, innovation, and the critical role our institutions play in Maryland’s future.” 

MICUA’s Board Chair is elected every two years by the member presidents, in alignment with the Association’s commitment to shared leadership, strategic governance, and continuous growth.