Share this Story
Dr. Mary Dana Hinton to Speak at Batten Honors College Convocation
Hollins University President’s newest book celebrates unique strengths of marginalized individuals, inviting them to embrace leadership potential
University News | July 1, 2024
Virginia Wesleyan University is pleased to announce that Dr. Mary Dana Hinton, President of Hollins University and author of "Leading from the Margins: College Leadership in Unexpected Places," will speak at the Batten Honors College Convocation on September 5. Dr. Hinton's deep commitment to educational excellence will undoubtedly inspire both students and faculty as they embark on a new academic year. 
Dr. Hinton is a respected leader in higher education with a strong commitment to student success and community engagement. She has served as the President of Hollins University since 2020, where she has championed initiatives to foster inclusive excellence and innovation in liberal arts education. She previously served as the President of the College of Saint Benedict and has held various leadership roles in academia, including her recent election as the Chair of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) next month.
Dr. Hinton is also an accomplished author. Her new book, “Leading from the Margins: College Leadership in Unexpected Places,” celebrates the unique strengths of marginalized individuals, inviting them to embrace their leadership potential and make a difference.
Dr. Hinton earned a Ph.D. in religion and religious education from Fordham University, a Master of Arts degree in clinical child psychology from the University of Kansas-Lawrence, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Williams College. She is the recipient of the Bicentennial Medal from Williams College and honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees from Misericordia University, the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, and Mount St. Mary’s University.
Virginia Wesleyan's unique relationship with Hollins University is based on the schools’ mutual benefactor and visionary philanthropist Jane Batten. This partnership underscores shared values and a commitment to academic excellence, leadership development, and community impact.
Since the founding of the distinctive Batten Honors College in the fall of 2017, a distinguished recognition ceremony has been held for its newest scholars at the beginning of each academic year. A ceremonial pinning of each student during the Batten Honors College Convocation represents their completion of orientation and formal induction into the elite Batten Honors College of Virginia Wesleyan University.