NDNU Logo
Request Info
Apply Now
Search
Close this search box.

Dr. Lizbeth Martin Named as the 19th President of Notre Dame de Namur University

Dr. Martin Comes Full Circle to Lead Renewal of NDNU as a Graduate Institution

For Immediate Release

Belmont, Calif. (June 16, 2021) – Notre Dame de Namur University (NDNU) announced today the appointment of Lizbeth “Beth” J. Martin, Ph.D., as its next President. Her term begins September 1, 2021.

“As NDNU transitions to a primarily graduate institution, this is an excellent opportunity for Dr. Martin to return to NDNU,” said Board Chair Sr. Jean Stoner, SNDdeN. “Her years of experience in senior academic leadership and her creative approaches to new endeavors will be invaluable as NDNU renews itself. It is clear she has continued to live out the values of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur throughout her career. We are delighted to have her return to lead NDNU at this important time in our history.”

“It is a rare privilege to begin one’s academic administrative career at a university and come full circle to be its servant leader,” Martin said. “I am very honored to have been chosen and look forward to working closely with NDNU’s Board, faculty, and staff to insure NDNU’s mission and legacy.”

Dr. Martin began her academic administrative career at NDNU as a faculty member and program director for the counseling psychology program. She was named founding Dean of NDNU’s School of Sciences and served in that capacity from 2001 to 2006. As Dean, she championed five new academic programs and pursued grant and foundation funding for multiple initiatives. A strong advocate for technology throughout NDNU, she was one of four faculty to pioneer NDNU’s first fully online course, and she strongly supported technology adoption in both academics and operational functions.

Dr. Martin brings extensive experience in budgeting, curriculum and program development, accreditation, and fundraising to the role of President at NDNU. From 2006 to 2018, Dr. Martin served as Vice President for Academic Affairs and later as Provost for Holy Names University in Oakland, CA. While at Holy Names, she started multiple new graduate and undergraduate programs, launched a professionally staffed Advising and Learning Resource Center, and supported multiple aspects of University Advancement including major gifts, donor relations, and alumni development. Following her time at Holy Names, Dr. Martin served one year as Interim Provost and Senior Vice President at Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA, creating a new Provost model that integrated student affairs and academic affairs as well as enrollment management. Since 2019, she has served as a Senior Consultant with Academic Search, Inc., working with institutions of higher education on executive search processes.

Dr. Martin received her AB from Brown University in Psychology. She received her MA and PhD from Stanford University in Physiological and Developmental Psychology. She is a licensed psychologist in the state of California.

Now in its 170th year, NDNU is in the process of transforming into a primarily graduate institution, offering master’s degree programs in business, clinical psychology, and education, in addition to teaching credentials. “Our core focus on meeting the educational needs of our community has not changed,” noted Interim President Daniel Carey. “NDNU will continue to live out its mission promoting social justice, diversity, and community through our curriculum, student experiences, and the work of our alumni in the communities they serve.” NDNU will launch revamped MBA and MPA programs this fall to join its highly-regarded master’s programs in clinical psychology and education. “Dr. Martin brings innovative higher education leadership experience that will help NDNU at this important time,” said Carey.

About Notre Dame de Namur University

Notre Dame de Namur University (NDNU) is a Catholic, not-for-profit, coeducational institution serving adult learners from diverse backgrounds. Established in 1851 by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, NDNU is the third-oldest college in California and the first authorized to grant the baccalaureate degree to women. NDNU maintains a strong commitment to academic excellence, social justice, and community engagement. The university is fully accredited and offers master’s degree programs in business, education, and psychology, as well as teacher credential programs. For more information, visit www.ndnu.edu.

 

For more information contact:
Melissa McAlexander, Ph.D.
Special Assistant to the President
mmcalexander@ndnu.edu
650-508-3440

Notre Dame de Namur University
1500 Ralston Avenue
Belmont, CA 94002
(650) 508-3500

Map

Linkedin-in Twitter Facebook Instagram
Request Info
Apply Now

Notre Dame de Namur University is an equal opportunity employer firmly committed to non-discrimination in its hiring and other employment practices and personnel policies. In compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, except where a bona fide occupational qualification exists, NDNU will make employment decisions irrespective of the staff member’s race, color, religion, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age (except for minors), sex, marital status, citizenship status, military service status, sexual orientation, medical condition (a cancer-related or genetic condition), disability and/or any another status protected by law. When necessary, the NDNU will reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities if they are otherwise qualified to perform all essential functions safely and do it without undue hardship to the NDNU. Inquiries regarding the College’s equal opportunity policies should be directed to the Human Resources Department via email at hr@ndnu.edu. NDNU admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.

© 2024 Notre Dame de Namur University. All rights reserved.

Privacy Policy

Mark Dee

Magellan Solutions USA launched under the visionary leadership of Mark A. K. Dee, Chief Executive Officer – a consultant and service provider for healthcare administrative support, IT development, energy, call center, and business process outsourcing. Mark has served in various multi-level management positions in his 21 years of service in the United States Air Force (USAF). He performed as Immunology and Microbiology department manager, Medical Laboratory Assistant Director, Facility and Security Manager, and finally retiring in the military in 2008 as Superintendent/Assistant Chief of Operations of 330 personnel Medical Group. Mark has experiences in the services industries since he retired, including running a restaurant chain as the CEO. He has also developed other businesses in the Martials Arts studio and 3d-printing industries. He has a BS in Health Sciences and Hospital Administration, Board Certified in Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Graduated in the Senior Executive Leadership School from the USAF, Master’s in Business Administration, and a Master’s of Science in Systems Management at Notre Dame De Namur University.

Chosen Cheng

Chosen Cheng is owner of CMC Group, a privately held engineering and marketing consultancy for small business startup ventures. He currently works with project teams developing patented award-winning solar roofing systems and patent pending drone-based augmented reality geological and thermal mapping solutions. He was formerly a Silicon Valley marketing and innovative corporate training manager. As an avocation and a way to “pay it forward” he enjoys teaching and career coaching college and graduate MBA students many of whom are pioneering first generation college students from underserved communities. He and his wife, a Notre Dame alum, celebrated their wedding reception at the Ralston Mansion in the 70’s and have two stupendously successful, married adult children who between them have four stupendously adorable grandchildren.

Arthur Chait

Entrepreneur, Executive, Engineer, Investor, Professor, Mentor. Founder & CEO EoPlex Inc. ($31 million VC funded startup acquired by ASTI Singapore). President Stanford Research Institute (SRI) Consulting Division (800 staff worldwide). SVP Flextronics (responsible for $8 Billion in global accounts). President Zitel Software. Principal Booz Allen. R&D Director Halliburton. Adjunct Professor Menlo College, Visiting Professor Universidad Francisco Marroquin (Guatemala), Mentor Draper University, Judge Startup Chile. BS Engineering Rutgers, MBA Strategy University Pittsburgh.

Kelly Cansler

Kelly completed both her BS (Finance/Economics) and MBA from NDNU. She utilized her business education to launch an insurance agency in 2008 with Farmers Insurance. It’s grown into multi-million-dollar agency, organically and through acquisition. She has been recognized by Farmers Insurance being ranked within the top 10% of agents nationwide, but also as a speaker, trainer, and mentor within the Farmers Insurance Community. Kelly is extremely connected with local businessowners through several networking channels.

Cliff Burnette

Cliff is the senior vice president and chief human resources officer at Rambus, a global chip and IP provider that advances data center connectivity and solves the bottleneck between memory and processing. Cliff has over 20 years of experience leading global human resources operations for publicly traded companies with expertise in employee relations, organizational development, and compensation strategy. Prior to Rambus, Cliff worked for several other high-tech companies in the semiconductor and medical device space and holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Marketing from Texas State University and a master’s degree in Human Resources Management and Organization Development from the University of Texas at Austin.

Memo Morantes

Memo Morantes has been a San Mateo County resident for more than 45 years. He has been a three-term San Mateo County Board of Education incumbent, a Redwood City/San Mateo County Chamber of Commerce board member, a Sequoia Hospital Foundation member, a co-chair of the Latino Leadership Council of San Mateo, and a civic/community activist. 

Sheryl Young

Sheryl serves as a director for Philanthropic Ventures Foundation, which provides $10M each year for innovative teachers and social entrepreneurs throughout the Bay Area. Prior Sheryl served as CEO of Community Gatepath and AbilityPath.org. She has over 30 years of managerial experience in operations, finance, and marketing. Young is a graduate of the Stanford University Graduate School of Business Executive Program for Non-Profit Leaders, earned an M.A. of Public Health from UC Berkeley, an M.A. in Special Education from Ball State University and a B.A. in Political Science from Purdue University.

Brian Schumacker

Brian manages South San Francisco-San Bruno’s wastewater treatment plant and with a dedicated staff of over 40 professionals who safeguard community health and protect the fragile San Francisco Bay ecosystem. Brian holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration, both from Notre Dame de Namur University. Brian has also earned the highest levels of professional certifications in wastewater treatment.

Mario Rendon

Mario Rendon serves as District Director for State Assemblymember Kevin Mullin. He develops the communications, public relations and constituent service strategy for the office and supervises a small team that represents Mr. Mullin in the 22nd Assembly District within San Mateo County. He has over twenty year’s experience working with elected officials at the local, state and federal level developing public policy.

Jerry Hill

Jerry’s public service started with his local neighborhood association that progressed to the California State Assembly and Senate where he authored legislation resulting in laws on issues related to consumer protection, utility safety, coastal protection, public health, education and the environment. Jerry was born and raised in San Francisco, receiving his BA from the University of California, Berkeley and a Teaching Credential from San Francisco State University.

Magda Gonzalez

Magda was most recently the City Manager for the City of Half Moon Bay, California. Prior she was the City Manager of East Palo Alto, California and Assistant City Manager, Redwood City. Magda was President of Cal-ICMA, representing the Local Government Hispanic Network and serves on the Board of Directors for the San Mateo Credit Union and the Latino Leadership Council of San Mateo County. Magda is also a member of ICMA and the State Bar of California and received several awards and recognitions, including Career Excellence Award (WLG) and the Ethical Hero Award from Cal-ICMA.

Jeremy Dennis

Jeremy currently serves as Portola Valley Town Manager. Previously, he’s worked for elected officials at all governance levels, including twice as District Director for local assemblymembers. He worked as the Palo Alto Long Range Planning Director, and for San Mateo County in management roles. Jeremy has a Masters in Urban Planning from the London School of Economics, and graduated from UC Davis studying US History/Political Science.

Kate Comfort-Harr

Kate is Executive Director of HIP Housing, a nonprofit specializing in creative affordable housing solutions throughout San Mateo County. Kate is a frequent speaker on a wide array of affordable housing topics and is passionate about the cultivation of collaborations between the private, public and social sectors. She serves on the Board of Directors for the San Mateo Credit Union and was awarded the Chamber San Mateo County’s 2020 Business Woman of the Year Award.

Jeff Cox

Program Director for Master of Public Administration

Jerome Nadel

Jerome Nadel is Internationally experienced design-led marketing executive (CMO and GM) with a track record of improved market position, revenue growth, and M&A. He is an advance degreed psychologist and user experience product/service design expert, board member and advisor. Jerome recently retired from Rambus as where he was CMO and GM of the security software division that he led the sale to Visa. He has had a variety of chief marketing officer and chief user experience officer roles at companies including Human Factors International, SLP InfoWare, Gemplus, and Sagem. He started his career in the IBM Human Factors Labs. He is also an avid cyclist with National and multiple California State Champion titles.

Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information