Wendy Cadge, a sociologist and national expert in contemporary American religion, will become the next president of Bryn Mawr College.

Cadge, who is currently the dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Science and Barbara Mandel Professor of the Humanistic Social Sciences at Brandeis University, will take over as president on July 1.

She was drawn to Bryn Mawr by its unique combination of undergraduate liberal arts for women and coeducational graduate programs.

“I believe the liberal arts change lives, and their influence does not stop with a bachelor’s degree,” Cadge said.

“My work in higher education brings undergraduate and graduate students together with faculty and staff to teach and learn, grow and collaborate, nurture and celebrate. Bryn Mawr’s remarkable commitment to undergraduate and graduate students, academic excellence, and preparing all of us for lives of purpose is the reason I am coming here.”

Cadge is the author of three books and over 100 scholarly articles. During her time at Brandeis, the Springfield High School and Swarthmore College alum rebuilt and expanded student professional development, strengthened degree programs, and advanced the graduate school’s anti-racism plan.

To expand and make accessible research opportunities for all undergraduates, Cadge built Brandeis’ first Office of Undergraduate Research & Creative Collaboration. She also led the Division of Social Sciences and chaired the Brandeis Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Program.

Additionally, the Delaware County native served as a faculty representative to the Board of Trustees.

In 2018, Cadge launched the Chaplaincy Innovation Lab to advance the work of chaplains in offering innovative spiritual care and support to the public. She also often works with the media and community partners on related topics.

“Wendy stood out in a rich field of remarkably talented candidates,” said Bryn Mawr College Board of Trustees Chair Cynthia Archer. “She is a creative and entrepreneurial scholar and a brilliant educator whose work and life beautifully align with Bryn Mawr’s mission.  Her clear intellect, innate collegiality, perceptive listening, and compelling energy make her an inspiring choice.”

Cadge will take over from  Kim Cassidy, who will retire from the role in June after 11 years as president. Cassidy will return after a sabbatical to teach within Bryn Mawr’s psychology department faculty.

 To learn more about Cadge and the presidential search, visit the Bryn Mawr College website.