“Little did we know about fast and perfect until you came to Maryville, Mark,” says Kathy Lunan, President Mark Lombardi’s Chief of Staff, in a tribute video by his leadership team.
The forward momentum of Maryville University in St. Louis, Missouri, is palpable, and it’s due in no small part to its president of seven years, Dr. Mark Lombardi. Credo was honored to present the second annual Courageous Leadership Award to Dr. Lombardi during the 2015 CIC Presidents Institute in San Diego. Awarded in 2014 to Credo Founding Partner Joanne Soliday for her long-standing commitment to and work with private colleges and universities, Dr. Lombardi is the first presidential recipient of the award. Leadership award recipients demonstrate one or many of the following achievements as a part of their institutional leadership*:
- Institutional growth across one or more key indicators: enrollment, fundraising, retention.
- A proven track record of fostering collaborative relationships among individuals and teams within his or her institution.
- Acknowledgement by peers and/or within the field of higher education as an advocate and champion of private higher education.
- Articulation and execution of a clear vision for the future of his or her institution.
- Next-practice innovation in operations, academics, net revenue, strategic planning, student success, or other critical areas.
- Strategic, game-changing planning for and investments in campus spaces and places.
We know that institutions do not thrive without Courageous leadership. Since joining Maryville University in 2007, Mark has put a laser focus on the success of the institution and its students, resulting in some remarkable statistics.
Maryville has achieved a 68 percent increase in enrollment over the past five years. This growth is more than 20 percent higher than any other independent or public universities in the state and region. Maryville consistently posts an above-average retention rate of 92%, graduation rate of 76%, and a career-placement rate 94%. Thanks to these numbers, U.S. News and World Report has named Maryville the No. 1 Overperforming University in the nation for two years in a row (learn more). Maryville’s 100 percent, four-year graduation rate for student athletes made it the only university in the U.S. to receive the NCAA Division II Presidents Award for Academic Success in 2013.
Mark insists that all academic and administrative efforts be student centered. In Credo’s work with Maryville, we heard from students over and over how much they felt that their time at Maryville was all about challenging them to go out in the world and succeed. They are truly delivering a student-centered experience.
Dr. Lombardi has a remarkable willingness to be nimble and make changes for the good of students and the institution: For example, within 48 hours of learning that the University of Nebraska, Omaha decided to shut down its nationally superior wrestling team, he authorized a staff member to meet with the coach and negotiated the transfer of the team to Maryville – all within a six-week timeframe. That team is now #1 in the country.
The Chronicle of Higher Education cites Maryville University as one of the Top 20 fastest-growing universities in the country. Kiplinger’s has named Maryville to its list of 100 best values in private colleges and universities for the past two years. Forbes has named Maryville to its “Best Colleges” list for the past three years.
And finally, an astounding figure for those of us who work in the realm of private higher education and know the current climate: Dr. Lombardi was able to accomplish all these things while averaging a $4.2 million dollar operating surplus each of the last seven years.
Maryville has one of the clearest vision statements we’ve seen, and here it is: Maryville University will be the innovative leader in higher education in the United States, promoting a revolution in student learning that expands the avenue of access for all sectors of society.
Mark, we believe you are executing this vision in exceptional ways, and were honored to present you with the 2015 award. We look forward to watching how your courage in the office of president continues to contribute to the growth and success of Maryville University and its students.
*To be considered for the Credo Courageous Leadership Award, a leader need not be a current or past Credo client.