A veteran educator, a healthcare executive, and a returning marketing expert join the MBU Trustees to help guide the institution’s next chapter.
Mary Baldwin University is pleased to announce the appointment of three esteemed trustees, including a visionary superintendent of public education, a global executive in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries, and a returning alumna with extensive experience in marketing and product development in the beauty industry.
Elected by the Board of Trustees, these new members join a governing body dedicated to ensuring the university’s long-term vitality. These appointments come at a pivotal time for Mary Baldwin as the university continues to refine its academic identity, strengthen enrollment strategy, clarify governance structures, and align resources for the year ahead.
“I am thrilled by the addition of the newest members of the Board of Trustees,” said Kamala Payne Arango ‘05, chair of the Board’s governance and trusteeship committee. “Their experience in innovation, healthcare, and education will provide critical touchpoints for helping to navigate the path forward for our beloved Mary Baldwin. We are looking forward to adding their talents and diverse thinking mindsets to our already robust Board. I can’t wait to get to work!”
Meet the New Trustees
Maria Cerminara Acar ’82
A dedicated alumna and champion of the university, Maria Acar returns to the board after serving 11 years from 2013 to 2024.
Acar brings extensive professional experience from the beauty industry, having served as vice president at L’Oreal USA in New York City. During her tenure, she led operational marketing and global product development efforts for iconic brands such as Redken, Essie, and Mizani.
During her previous board service, Acar held several pivotal roles including as chair of the advancement committee and chair of the MBU Empowers Campaign. Having earned her BA in arts management from Mary Baldwin, Acar is recognized by her peers as a talented storyteller who balances a respect for university history with a commitment to its future. Her leadership as a trustee, campaign chair, and member of the Alumni Advisory Council have been a driving force in enhancing student experiences across the Mary Baldwin campus.
“Maria is an accomplished professional who always leans in and is ready to serve Mary Baldwin,” says Board Co-chair Eloise Chandler ‘77. “She cares deeply about supporting educational quality, and her cheerful, can-do demeanor makes her a treasured colleague.”
Dr. Royal A. Gurley, Jr.
Dr. Royal Gurley was appointed superintendent of Charlottesville City Schools (CCS) in October 2021. Now in his 24th year in education, Gurley has served in a variety of roles across rural and suburban school divisions in Virginia, including as teacher, instructional specialist, and both building-level and division-level administrator. He also proudly served for eight years in the Armed Reserves as a logistics specialist.
Since joining CCS, Gurley has led with a vision grounded in equity, community connection, and innovation. Under his leadership, the district has seen landmark achievements, including the establishment of the Knight School to provide alternative learning support, the successful negotiation of the division’s first collective bargaining contract, and led construction of the long-awaited Charlottesville Middle School.
Recently recognized as a “Superintendent to Watch” by the National School Public Relations Association, Gurley holds a doctor of education from Virginia State University and completed the Urban Superintendents Academy at the University of Southern California.
“Dr. Gurley’s proven track record in education and visible passion for student success make him an ideal fit for the Board,” says Chandler. “His ability to turn vision into action will greatly benefit MBU’s future initiatives.”
Dr. Peter John Ramsey
Dr. Peter Ramsey is a seasoned research and development executive with deep expertise within the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. He is currently the founder and principal of Ramsey Advisory, LLC, a global consultancy specializing in R&D strategy and organizational transformation for private equity, consumer healthcare, pharmaceutical, and consumer goods industries.
Previously, Ramsey served as chief scientific officer and head of global Innovation and development at Haleon (formerly GSK Consumer Healthcare and Pfizer Consumer Healthcare) from 2021 to 2024. Throughout his career, he has held senior leadership roles at Pfizer and GSK, overseeing global research, global marketing strategy, and numerous business initiatives.
Ramsey holds a PhD in pharmaceutics from the University of Iowa and a BS in pharmacy from Purdue University. He is also an alumnus of the General Management Program at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. He remains active in the professional community and has previously served on the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy’s National Advisory Board, the Richmond Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and the Junior Achievement of Central Virginia Board of Directors.
According to Chandler, the university is fortunate to tap into his expertise: “Dr. Ramsey brings deep experience as a strategic leader to the Board, and, most importantly, he has a heart for Mary Baldwin’s vital mission.”
Learn more about all board members on the Mary Baldwin Board of Trustees webpage.