Mark Lombardi, PhD, president of Maryville University, is the new chair of the NCAA Board of Governors Committee to Promote Cultural Diversity and Equity. The group reviews and endorses recommendations regarding diversity and inclusion matters that impact the Association.
In the role, Lombardi will work closely with Dr. Katrice A. Albert, NCAA’s executive vice president of inclusion and human resources. Albert leads efforts to enhance diversity and inclusion, leadership development and education and community engagement.
“Diversity and inclusive excellence are central to the future of intercollegiate athletics,” Lombardi said. “I am honored to work with the committee and Dr. Albert to promote these values. This committee will continue the work of the NCAA and its diverse members to build pathways of leadership in intercollegiate athletics that are truly representative of the diversity of this nation.”
Lombardi is the tenth President of Maryville University and has served since 2007. During his tenure, Maryville has more than tripled enrollment to more than 10,000 students hailing from 50 states and 60 countries. Maryville is ranked as the “Fourth Fastest Growing Private University” by The Chronicle of Higher Education. The University has been named an Apple Distinguished School for 2018–2021 — marking the second recognition — for leadership and excellence in providing students with a high-tech, mobile learning environment. Under his leadership, Maryville has intentionally worked toward building a more diverse campus community. Students of color represent 36 percent of the total student population, and that number has more than doubled since 2008. The number of diverse faculty and staff tripled over the same time period.
Lombardi is a longtime mentor in the NCAA Pathway Program designed to elevate those currently in senior-level positions within athletics administration to the next step as a director of athletics. The year-long program is an intensive, experiential learning opportunity for selected participants representing NCAA Divisions I, II and III.
The NCAA Board of Governors Committee to Promote Cultural Diversity and Equity meets quarterly at the NCAA headquarters in Indianapolis.