Thomas H. Powell
President, Mount St. Mary's University

Thomas H. Powell began his term as the 24th president of Mount St. Mary’s University in July 2003. Prior to his appointment at the Mount, he served as president of Glenville State College. Before that, Dr. Powell was dean of the College of Education at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina. He has also served as the dean of the College of Education and Human Services at Montana State University – Billings.  Previously, he was an associate professor of special education at the University of Connecticut, where he was also the founder of the University Affiliated Program on Developmental Disabilities.

Dr. Powell’s area of expertise is in the education of people with disabilities. His scholarship is focused in the areas of siblings, strengthening parent-professional collaboration and teacher preparation. He received his Ed.D. in special education from the George Peabody College of Vanderbilt University in 1981 and is the author of four books, most notably Brothers & Sisters: A Special Part of Exceptional Families. He has had numerous appointments on editorial boards, professional associations and community associations serving people with disabilities. Currently, Dr. Powell is on the Board of Directors of the Association of Retarded Citizens (ARC) of the United States.

Dr. Powell and his wife, Irene, are the parents of three children—Nicholas, Thomas Henry and Cathleen.

Dr. Powell can be reached at:

            Mount St. Mary's University
            Office of the President
            16300 Old Emmitsburg Road
            Emmitsburg, Maryland  21727

            Phone:       301-447-5600
            Fax:           301-447-5634
            E-Mail:     president@msmary.edu