St. Martin’s University names Brownsberger its new president

After a competitive nationwide search, the St. Martin’s University Board of Trustees unanimously selected William “Bill” Brownsberger, STD, as their 12th president. As stated in their press release, he will assume the presidency on July 1.

Dr. Brownsberger is the current Vice President of Academic Affairs and Workforce Solutions at Mountain Empire Community College in Virginia and the former Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas. 

He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Dallas, Master of Arts in Theology from The Catholic University of America, Doctor of Sacred Theology ant his Licentiate in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, Italy.

Brownsberger has 23 years of higher education experience from faculty ranks into administration at several Catholic institutions in the U.S. and Italy.

“Dr. Brownsberger’s experience at other Catholic colleges and universities will be an asset at Saint Martin’s University as we continue our 128-year tradition of providing a uniquely Catholic Benedictine education,” said Abbot Marion Nguyen, O.S.B., chancellor of Saint Martin’s University at the press release. “We welcome Dr. Brownsberger and his family to our academic community and look forward to the next chapter of our university’s future with his leadership and vision.”

The Presidential Search Committee had 15 representatives from the university-- Saint Martin’s Abbey, faculty, staff, students, Board of Trustees, and the Archdiocese of Seattle. The committee selected individuals with strategic foresight and a commitment to transparent servant leadership.

“I am absolutely delighted to be joining Saint Martin’s University and honored by the trust this community has placed in me as its next president.” shared Dr. Brownsberger. “I look forward to working with the talented faculty, staff, administration, trustees, and monks toward a bright future of service to students in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.” 

Dr. Brownsberger will assume the position following an interim leadership transition with Father Kilian Malvey, O.S.B., and Roy Heynderickx, Ph.D., serving as interim co-presidents.

While the national presidential search was in progress, Dr. Heynderickx led the institution along with Father Malvey. Dr. Heynderickx served 14 years as university president before retiring in 2022.