Hamline University formally placed Mayme Hostetter, who attended schools in the Twin Cities in her youth, as its 22nd president on Thursday.
Hostetter most recently served as president of Relay Graduate School of Education, a private Manhattan graduate school for teachers that has a dozen locations around the U.S.
Growing up, Hostetter attended Kenwood School in Minneapolis and St. Paul Academy. She then attended Harvard University where she eventually received a master of education after working as an English teacher. She later earned a doctor of education from Columbia University.
In New York, Hostetter helped found Hunter College’s “Teacher U” and the Relay Graduate School of Education, which has roots in the charter school movement. Hostetter was named Relay’s president in 2018, the role she held when she was named Hamline’s next president earlier this year.
“I know both the governor and my office, (Office of Higher Education,) are excited to work with you in this new role,” said Winnie Sullivan, deputy commissioner for the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, at the investiture ceremony. “Together, we can make Minnesota a national leader for higher education. “
Held at the university’s Hutton Arena in St. Paul, the ceremony included a formal academic procession and the presentation of the symbols of office, as well as three former Hamline University presidents in attendance. Among those commemorating Hostetter’s new role was her friend Laela Sturdy, who attended Harvard University with her approximately 28 years ago.
“As Hamline’s 22nd president, Mayme brings the wisdom gained from teaching in the Bronx, conducting research on literacy, and leading a graduate school of education,” Sturdy said. “She brings character, vision, and an unwavering commitment to every student’s success.”
In addition to her time at Harvard and Columbia, Hostetter also worked in MIT’s Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences studying reading development. She was named a 2024 Presidential Leadership Scholar by the Bush, Clinton, and LBJ Foundations.
“It has been remarkable to witness her grow as a leader and through it all, to see the constancy of her character. She is unflinching in her commitment to equity and excellence,” Sturdy said. “She is a kind and thoughtful leader, with high standards and a big heart, and she is devoted to things larger than herself. Now, Mayme brings this wealth of experience, this depth of commitment, this vision for educational excellence to Hamline University.”
Hostetter said the university has accomplished many “firsts” in its more than 170 years as an institution and could be the university where students graduate on time and feel high levels of belonging and engagement with each other.
“Hamline has been the site, the source, the inspiration of so many firsts,” Hostetter said. “And they all represent an important type of ‘first.’ They are all team wins that represent not only institutional excellence but also changing the game for the better for those who come next.”
Hostetter assumed her duties as president on July 1.
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