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Mount Saint Mary's University has named Lisha K. Maddox, EdD, as executive director of Student Life, Women's Leadership and Community Engagement, bringing back an accomplished higher education leader whose career in student development began at the Mount.

With nearly 20 years of experience in student affairs, leadership development and campus engagement, Lisha returns to the University after 14 years at Loyola Marymount University, where she led initiatives focused on student leadership, belonging, equity and engagement. In her new role, she will oversee programs that empower students to become confident, purpose-driven leaders through leadership education, civic engagement and community partnerships. The Office of Women's Leadership and Community Engagement supports signature initiatives including the MOUNTleads Leadership Scholars Program, Student Government Association, Community Ambassador Program, civic engagement initiatives and leadership development opportunities that prepare students to create positive change on campus and beyond.

Lisha will also play an integral role in advancing (M)POWER, the University's comprehensive four-year career readiness initiative. As Student Affairs continues to expand the program across the student experience, the Office of Women's Leadership and Community Engagement will serve as a key partner in developing the next phase of (M)POWER by leveraging the MOUNTleads four-year developmental framework. Through this collaboration, students will strengthen the leadership, professional and interpersonal skills needed to thrive throughout their college journey and beyond.

"We look forward to the mission driven leadership Dr. Maddox brings to our women’s leadership, student involvement and community engagement programs as we move into the next 100 years at Mount Saint Mary’s," said Linda McMurdock, PhD, vice president for student affairs

Lisha’s connection to the Mount runs deep. She began her professional career at the University, where she discovered her passion for supporting students and advancing women's education through the mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.

She later joined Loyola Marymount University, where she spent more than a decade creating programs and experiences that fostered student leadership, belonging and community. Throughout her career, she has helped students navigate the transitions, challenges and milestones that define the college experience while working to create more equitable and inclusive campus environments.

Lisha earned her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from University of California, Los Angeles, a master's degree from University of Southern California and a bachelor's degree from University of California, Irvine. Her doctoral research examined how early-career higher education professionals develop the skills needed to build more just and inclusive campus communities.

As executive director, Lisha will lead the University's efforts to cultivate leadership as a collaborative process rooted in service, reflection and the common good. Since establishing one of the nation's first collegiate leadership programs for women in 1975, Mount Saint Mary's has prepared generations of women to lead with confidence, purpose and compassion. Today, the Office of Women's Leadership and Community Engagement continues that tradition while helping shape the future of student leadership through initiatives like (M)POWER, ensuring students graduate with the leadership experience, civic engagement and career-ready skills to make a meaningful impact in their communities and professions.

"The Mount has been preparing women to lead for 100 years, and I am honored to continue that tradition in this moment," said Lisha. "My vision is to build a leadership ecosystem through signature programs, initiatives and experiences that meets every student where they are and walks with them through their academic tenure. I want every student who comes to our campuses to leave knowing they are a leader, and to have the experience, the credentials, and the community to prove it."

A native Angeleno, Lisha is passionate about building institutions where every student feels seen, supported and empowered to thrive. Her return to the Mount marks a homecoming to the institution that first shaped her professional calling and reflects the University's continued investment in developing the next generation of women leaders.