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FREDERICK, Md., — 91��Ƶר�� College will celebrate the inauguration of Debbie Ricker, Ph.D., as the College’s 12th president on Sunday, October 18, 2025, at 11 a.m. in the Hodson Outdoor Theater on the College’s campus in Frederick, Md.

The inauguration ceremony will bring together students, faculty, staff, alumni and distinguished guests from across the region, as well as representatives from community and industry partners in the Frederick region. The program will include greetings from academic, civic and student leaders, followed by an inaugural address from President Ricker outlining her vision for 91��Ƶר��’s future.

President Ricker’s appointment marks a historic milestone in 91��Ƶר��’s 132-year history, as she becomes the first president to be promoted from within the institution’s leadership ranks. Prior to her presidency, Ricker served as provost and vice president for academic affairs for eight years before being named president on March 17, 2025. Ricker officially began as president on April 1, 2025.

In her first six months, President Ricker has worked to launch and develop 91��Ƶר��’s Bioscience Research and Education Center (BREC), which aims to increase the number of highly-skilled professionals in Maryland via collaboration between 91��Ƶר�� and regional industry partners. President Ricker has also appointed leaders in key positions such as Vice President for Enrollment Management Colby McCarthy, BREC Director Rana Khan, Ph.D., and Ruth Whitaker Holmes School of Behavioral and Health Sciences Dean Mark Reinhardt, DNP. 

Prior to joining 91��Ƶר��, Ricker spent 20 years at York College, serving in several academic and administrative roles, including associate dean of academic affairs, dean of academic services and chair of the Department of Biological Sciences. Reflective of her career as a scientist and academic administrator, Ricker’s research history includes more than 25 publications and presentations on topics ranging from academic advising and curriculum development to in-vitro fertilization rates, sperm motility and embryo development.

This inauguration ceremony is free and open to the public. A reception on the Residential Quadrangle will be held following the ceremony.

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