Office of the President
Ann McElaney-Johnson, PhD
Dr. Ann McElaney-Johnson is the 12th president of Mount Saint Mary’s University, the only women’s university in Los Angeles with nearly 70% first-generation students to attend college. With more than 35 years of experience in higher education, she is nationally recognized as a thought leader in the advancement of women, innovative teaching, and student success. Since her inauguration in 2012, she has championed a transformative vision that fosters academic excellence and purpose-filled leadership, grounded in the traditions of the University’s founding Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and their mission.
Under her leadership, Mount Saint Mary’s has strengthened its academic profile, expanded programs, and deepened its impact. A signature initiative of her presidency was the launch of the Report on the Status of Women and Girls in California™, a groundbreaking annual publication that established the University as a leading resource for women’s research and advancement. This effort led to the creation of the Center for the Advancement of Women, a vibrant hub reaching more than 50,000 leaders annually to catalyze leadership development.
Dr. McElaney-Johnson has also overseen the expansion of academic offerings at all levels, the growth of the Graduate Division, and the recent launch of (M)POWER — a comprehensive, four-year student success initiative integrating academic excellence with career and workforce preparation.
Her vision inspired the University’s most successful comprehensive fundraising effort, the $130 million “Unstoppable Campaign.” The campaign funded expanded academic programs, endowed scholarships, and the construction of the Michael A. Enright Wellness Pavilion — a state-of-the-art facility that reflects the University’s dedication to student wellness and the preparation of resilient leaders.
During her tenure, Mount Saint Mary’s has earned national recognition for its transformative education. The New York Times ranked the University No. 6 in the nation for social mobility, Money magazine named it one of the most transformative colleges in the country, and U.S. News & World Report consistently highlights the success of its graduates.
Beyond the University, Dr. McElaney-Johnson serves as Chair of the Board of the Women’s College Coalition and on the executive committees of the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU), the Association of Colleges of the Sisters of St. Joseph (ACSSJ), and St. Joseph Center in Los Angeles.
Prior to her presidency, Dr. McElaney-Johnson was Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs and Dean of the College at Salem College, where she also taught French for a decade. She holds a PhD from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, an MA from Middlebury College, and a BA from the College of the Holy Cross.
In 2023, the French government honored her with the Ordre des Palmes Académiques for her contributions to education and cultural exchange. This honor was established by Emperor Napoleon in 1808, making it one of the oldest civil honors bestowed by France.
Today, Dr. McElaney-Johnson leads Mount Saint Mary’s with vision, resilience, and a collaborative spirit. Guided by her lifelong passion for educating the next generation of leaders, she is a powerful national voice on the enduring importance of women’s colleges and the advancement of women and girls.
President's Report
The President's Report & Honor Roll of Donors is the annual "state of the University" publication in which the president summarizes the achievements of the past fiscal year. The report also gives the Mount the opportunity to recognize the many friends of the University who made contributions to its success through their generous gifts.
Read the 2023-2024 Report
President's Office leadership
Lucille Villegas
Chief of Staff, Executive Assistant to the President
lvillegas@msmu.edu