President
Maryville University of St. Louis
St. Louis, MO - United States
The Board of Trustees of Maryville University invites nominations and applications for an experienced, forward-thinking visionary to serve as the next president of the University. Maryville University (St. Louis, MO) is one of the country’s fastest growing schools and is deeply committed to its role as a catalyst for students to move up the academic and economic ladder.
The successful candidate will serve as the eleventh president of Maryville University and is expected to share a deep commitment and responsibility to the school’s mission of serving as an engine for the economic and social mobility of its diverse population of 9000+ students enrolled in both on-site and online undergraduate and graduate programs. The successful candidate will be a creative and entrepreneurial leader who is committed to access, outcomes, and the opportunities to enhance education and student success through the creative use of technology. The opportunity is occasioned by the retirement of Mark Lombardi, Ph.D. who has served Maryville with distinction since 2007.
Founded in 1872, Maryville University is a comprehensive and nationally ranked private institution offering over 90 degrees at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels, as well as several certificates that align with the undergraduate and graduate education levels. Maryville was recently recognized as the fourth fastest-growing private university in the United States by the Chronicle of Higher Education and serves students from all 50 states and 56 countries. More than 17,000 Maryville alumni work and live in the St. Louis region.
In fall 2024 Maryville welcomed its largest first year class in its history, with a 20% increase in enrollment over 2023, as well as a strong financial standing, finishing FY2024 with an $8M surplus. As a result of this growth, the University is deeply engaged in “digital first” education, and has been progressively integrating technology, and increasingly artificial intelligence (AI) concepts into instruction and services. Maryville offers a life coaching model for all traditional students; provides classroom-ready iPads to all students, thus eliminating the need to purchase most textbooks; and has focused on affordability by limiting tuition increases over the last five years, including lowering tuition by 5% in 2020. Maryville University supports an extensive program of sports (NCAA Division II) and is consistently honored with the President’s Award for Academic Excellence, awarded to those institutions with the highest rates of achievement in academics and athletics. The Saints compete in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.
The next president will lead an institution that is in an enviable position as a result of the vision and determination of its faculty, students, staff, administrators, and Board. The challenge for the next president will be to continue the school’s growth and success while facing into both internal and external challenges and the changing environment for higher education. Maryville seeks a leader who can inspire and motivate others; serve as a visionary leader and reflect Maryville’s commitment to access, opportunity and student success.
Maryville University offers a competitive salary and benefits. There are significant compensation incentives based on performance and the achievement of agreed-upon measures of success and growth.
Nominations, suggestions, and expressions of personal interest in the role are welcome. Applications should include, as two separate documents, a resume or cv and a letter of interest which addresses the themes outlined in the profile. References are not requested at this time.
WittKieffer is assisting Maryville University with this search. For full consideration, application materials should be received by November 18, 2024. The appointment is effective June 2, 2025. The University anticipates that the appointment will be made in February 2025.
Application materials should be submitted to WittKieffer’s candidate portal using the buttons below.
Nominations and inquiries should be directed to Sheila Murphy, Consultant and Senior Advisor through the confidential email [email protected].
An offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background screening.