On behalf of the St. Mary’s Ryken Board of Directors, Mr. James M. Burke, Board Chair, announced that Dr. Rick Wood has been selected as the new President and CEO of St. Mary’s Ryken High School, beginning July 1, 2019. An extensive, national search was conducted and applicants from across the country were considered. Dr. Wood’s tremendous qualifications, 23 year career at SMR, and his enormous devotion to our families, faculty/staff and the Xaverian tradition, make him the ideal next leader for our school.
Dr. Wood earned his BS in Biology from the University of Maryland College Park and his MS in Human Resource Development from Towson University. In 2017, he earned his doctorate in School Leadership from the University of Maryland College Park.
Throughout Dr. Wood’s 23-year career as teacher, Dean of Student Life, Dean of Academics, and Principal at St. Mary’s Ryken, he has consistently provided faith-filled leadership and developed programs that promote spiritual growth and educational excellence. He has nurtured positive relationships with teachers, parents, students, alumni and supporters.
As life-long area residents, Rick and wife Paula are parents of two current students and a class of 2016 alum. Rick is a tireless advocate for SMR, and is known and respected throughout southern Maryland. As an innovator of successful programs, and a key contributor to the Strategic Plan and Middle States re-accreditation, he understands the strengths and challenges of our school, and is well positioned to lead us to continued success.
