Chaminade University’s board of regents announced Dec. 8 the selection of Lynn M. Babington to serve as the school’s tenth president. She begins Aug. 1, 2017, succeeding Marianist Brother Bernard Ploeger, who has held the post since 2009.
Lynn M. Babington, new Chaminade University president
Babington is the provost and vice president of academic affairs at Fairfield University in Connecticut.
“I am honored and humbled to be chosen as the new president for Chaminade University at such a pivotal time,” said Babington in a news release. “I am deeply inspired by its heritage, holistic learning approach and dedication to the community.”
“I look forward to working with the university’s outstanding faculty and staff to help fully realize its mission,” she said.
Chaminade’s board of regents chairman Vaughn Vasconcellos pointed out the new president’s extensive experience in healthcare and nursing, dedication to serving others and genuine warmth.
“Her established record and blend of experience in the private sector and academic settings will serve us well,” he said. “I am confident in Dr. Babington’s ability to lead Chaminade into a future filled with promise and opportunity.”
Brother Ploeger had high praise for his future replacement.
“Chaminade is very fortunate to have Dr. Babington serve as its next leader,” he said. “She brings both a passion for Catholic, Marianist higher education as well as a vision for new ways in which Chaminade may better serve our students and communities.”
Babington will serve as interim president of Fairfield University until June 30. Prior to her positions at Fairfield, she has held leadership roles at Northeastern University from 2003 to 2011 and also studied as a Fulbright Scholar at Ben Gurion University in Israel.
A lifelong advocate of teaching and learning with extensive experience in garnering external support, Babington was selected in 2013 as a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation executive nurse fellow designed to nurture industry leaders in their efforts to improve the nation’s health care system.
Babington earned her bachelor’s degree magna cum laude from the University of Michigan in nursing. She received her master’s degree and doctorate in nursing from University of Washington.
