Visionary Leader Selected to Build on Maryville’s Legacy of Innovation, Access, and Student Success
[ST. LOUIS, MO – February 18, 2025] – Maryville University is pleased to announce that Dr. Daniel Shipp, currently serving as the president of Pittsburg State University, will become the next president of Maryville University, effective June 2025. Following an extensive national search Dr. Shipp was selected to succeed Dr. Mark Lombardi, who will retire at the end of the academic year after 18 years of transformational leadership.
The Board of Trustees and the Presidential Search Committee sought a leader who embodies Maryville’s commitment to innovation, technology-driven learning, and student success. Dr. Shipp emerged as the ideal choice to guide Maryville into its next chapter of growth. With a strong track record in higher education leadership and a deep passion for innovation, he is well-positioned to advance the university’s mission and strategic vision.
“It is an incredible honor to be selected as the next president of Maryville University,” Shipp said. “I am inspired by Maryville’s bold vision, its commitment to expanding access and opportunity, and its innovative approach to education. I look forward to working alongside the board, faculty, staff, students, alumni and the overall Maryville community to continue the tradition of shaping the future of higher education.”
Ed Ryan, chair of the Board of Trustees, emphasized the board’s confidence in the selection. “Maryville University has long been a pioneer in reimagining higher education and will continue to strengthen its national leadership in access, innovation, and student outcomes with Dr. Shipp at the helm. Dan’s background will propel Maryville even further, ensuring that we continue transforming higher education.”
Chris Chadwick, who led the search committee and serves as vice chair of the Board of Trustees, expressed appreciation for the process that identified Dr. Shipp.
“Throughout this process, we engaged with a remarkable group of candidates, all of whom recognized the extraordinary momentum of Maryville. In Dr. Shipp we found a leader who understands and embraces our mission of innovation, access, and opportunity.”
Dr. Mark Lombardi, president of Maryville University, praised the board and the search committee for their thoughtful selection. “It has been an honor to lead Maryville through an era of tremendous growth and transformation. The search committee and the Board selected a proven leader in Dr. Shipp. I have every confidence that he will lead and expand Maryville’s commitment to innovation, student success and access and opportunity for all.”
As Maryville looks toward the future, the university remains committed to its core values—providing students with access and opportunity, leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance learning, and fostering a culture of inclusivity and excellence. Dr. Shipp will build on this strong foundation to advance Maryville’s mission and propel the university into its next era of growth.
More details about the leadership transition and opportunities to meet Dr. Shipp will be shared with the Maryville community in the coming months.
For more information, please contact Gabrielle Young, The Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications, Maryville University at gyoung@maryville.edu.
About Maryville University
Founded in 1872, Maryville University is a comprehensive and nationally ranked private institution with an enrollment of well over 9,000 students. Maryville offers 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 is recognized as the third fastest-growing private university in the United States by The Chronicle of Higher Education, serving students from 50 states and 56 countries. More than 50,000 Maryville alumni globally, many of whom work and live in the St. Louis region.