MaryAnn Baenninger began as the 13th president of Drew University in July 2014 after serving 10 years as president of College of Saint Benedict. Drew is a nationally-ranked liberal arts University that includes the undergraduate College of Liberal Arts, the Caspersen School of Graduate Studies, and the Theological School.

The University's distinctions include an innovative approach to the arts and humanities, an emphasis on hands-on learning in the STEM fields, and pioneering experiential learning models, including the New York Semesters. The University fosters a commitment to social justice and civic engagement, manifested in deep connections with the communities of Madison, NJ; Newark, NJ; and New York City.

Before becoming a college president, Baenninger was executive associate director with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Previously, she held faculty appointments at College of New Jersey, Philadelphia University, and Washington College.

Baenninger currently serves on the Board of Directors of Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) and is a member of the Executive Committee, as well as the board of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. Her previous higher education board service has included the Women's College Coalition, Minnesota Public Radio, and the American University of Sharjah, a U.S.-accredited private coeducational university in the United Arab Emirates.

Baenninger earned her bachelor's degree, summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, from Temple University, where she also earned her Ph.D., both in psychology. She has published extensively on gender and cognition and outcomes assessment in higher education. Baenninger is most proud of her support of experiential and international education. She was honored with the William M. Burke Presidential Award from the National Society for Experiential Education in 2013.