Debbie Ricker, Scientist, Leader, Educator, Named 12th President of Hood College

FREDERICK, Md., – Hood College is proud to announce that Debbie Ricker, Ph.D., has been appointed as the College’s 12th president. Ricker brings more than 30 years of experience as a published scientist, trusted administrator and higher education leader. At Hood, Ricker has empowered students to meet personal, professional and global challenges through an emphasis on meaningful peer mentorship, hands-on learning and the creation of invaluable industry partnerships.

"I am truly honored to have been selected to serve as Hood College’s 12th president. At this pivotal moment in the history of the College and, more broadly, for higher education, adaptability, agility and forward-thinking will be essential."

Ricker, who has served as president in an interim role since July 1, 2024, will officially begin as president on April 1, 2025. The appointment comes after a unanimous vote by the Board of Trustees during its annual March meeting. Ricker’s selection to the position followed an exhaustive presidential search conducted by the search firm Isaacson, Miller and the Presidential Search Committee, composed of Hood trustees, staff, faculty, alumni and students, beginning in summer 2024.

“I’m excited to build upon Hood’s success and continue to champion the outstanding accomplishments of our faculty, staff and students while advancing our mission and strategic goals."

Ricker first joined Hood College as provost and vice president of academic affairs on July 1, 2016. A champion of Hood’s core values of Hope, Opportunity, Obligation and Democracy, Ricker spearheaded the development of new undergraduate programs in public health, sustainability studies, art therapy and finance. Ricker was also instrumental in launching Hood’s highly successful graduate cybersecurity program. She oversaw all student retention efforts, including the formation of Hood’s Office of Student Success, which helps students of all class levels achieve their academic goals via mentorship, tutoring and advising. Ricker’s efforts led to record-setting first-year retention and graduation rates. Ricker also led Hood’s High Impact Practice Task Force, which aimed to ensure that every Hood student has at least one experiential learning opportunity before graduating. 

"As Hood’s provost for the past eight years, I learned that we have one central mission—serving our students. 

Now, as president, student needs will continue to inform decision-making at the highest level. I look forward to learning and growing alongside them as our campus community continues to evolve."

Prior to joining Hood, Ricker spent 20 years at York College, serving in several academic and administrative roles, including associate dean of academic affairs, dean of academic services and chair of the Department of Biological Sciences. Reflective of her career as a scientist and academic administrator, Ricker’s research history includes more than 25 publications and presentations on topics ranging from academic advising and curriculum development to in-vitro fertilization rates, sperm motility and embryo development.

“She has always put our students first, and she is the right person to take Hood into the future." 
-Tonya Thomas Finton '78, chair of the Board of Trustees

Ricker earned a Ph.D. from The Johns Hopkins University, a master’s degree in biology from East Tennessee State University and a bachelor’s degree in biology from Mars Hill University. Ricker also attended the Institute for Educational Management at Harvard University, as well as the Council of Independent Colleges Executive Leadership Academy.

“After a nationwide search, the search committee unanimously selected Debbie as their candidate and brought forth her name to the Board of Trustees for approval,” said Tonya Thomas Finton '78, chair of the Board of Trustees. 

“She has always put our students first, and she is the right person to take Hood into the future. Debbie is a tremendous leader, and throughout her time at Hood, she has earned the respect of faculty, staff, students, the board, alumni and the community at large. The board looks forward to partnering with President Ricker and supporting Hood College as it takes this next step.”