As the 2024-25 academic year draws to a close, Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) President Cecilia McCormick, J.D., reflected on a year shaped by artistic excellence, institutional momentum, and community-rooted innovation. From student achievements to strategic planning and neighborhood partnerships, the year was defined by both resurgence and reinvention.

The Maryland Higher Education Commission is forcing MICA to give up its planned interior design classes, complicating the school’s effort to offer new programs and overcome declining revenues. The commission administrator determined that MICA’s program was too similar to one offered by Morgan State University, although MICA leaders said it was not.

MICA has named Cecilia M. McCormick as the art school’s new president, following her six-month engagement as interim president. She replaces Sammy Hoi, who served nearly 10 years before announcing his retirement in January.