From Student-to Student: Meet Your President

Pop quiz: Who is the president of the United States? Unless you are living under a rock, that was an easy question. Okay, one more. Who is the president of Maryville University?

I had an epiphany while waiting for Fareed Zakaria's speach at Maryville University's Speaker Series Event. The gentleman that I sat next to asked me a simple question. He asked," Who is the president of Maryville?" I confidently answered him, "Mark Lombardi." The questions did not stop there. I failed to answer any other questions.

On my way home, I was ashamed. There I was, a Maryville student, representing Maryville itself, and felt like I failed. As a Maryville student, it is important to know who the president is, leading the school that you are attending. Not just his name, but who he really is.

Doctor Mark Lombardi is the tenth president of Maryville University. He began at the university in July 2007, with the vision to expand it's growth both size and academically.

Dr. Lombardi earned his bachelor's degree in Political Science at Purdue University. He also earned his Ph.D and master's degree in political science and international relations from the Ohio State University.

Kathy Lunan, the Chief of Staff & Liasion to the Board of Trustees, descibes Dr. Lomardi as " a strong leader, informed decision maker, visionary and always aware of what benefits students."

Lunan also descibes the president with having a great sense of humor. She quotes Lombardi saying, " For our students, everything inside the classroom should be challenging and everything outside the classroom should be easy."

Lunan explains that it is up to Maryville students how involved they want to be with Maryville. " students need to decide for themselves if it is important to know the leader of the educational institution they have chosen to attend."

There are many opportunities to meet Mark Lombardi. if meeting the president is important to you, attending orientation, athletic events, concerts, lectures, and other activities on campus will get you a couple steps closer.

You might be as lucky as I was to unexpectedly run into him in Gander Hall. If not, don't be shy to set an appointment at his office. For senior of 2011, you're closer than you think. Mark Lombardi will proudly hand you your well-deserved diploma at the Graduation Ceremony.