Honorary Degrees Recognize Dr. Lombardi’s Visionary Leadership and Transformative Impact on Higher Education
[ST. LOUIS, MO – April 23, 2025] – Maryville University is proud to announce that Dr. Mark Lombardi, president of Maryville University, will be awarded a Doctorate of Humane Letters (Ph.D.) and a Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership (E.D.D.) in recognition of his exceptional leadership, innovative vision, and transformative contributions to the institution. The degrees will be conferred during commencement celebrations on April 26 and May 3.
Under Dr. Lombardi’s leadership, Maryville University has become a national leader in higher education, redefining the student experience and embracing cutting-edge innovation. His commitment to access and opportunity, a digital forward education, innovation and affordability has set Maryville apart as a model for 21st century universities, ensuring students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to succeed. In addition, the Board of Trustees unanimously conferred upon Dr. Lombardi the title of President Emeritus.
Chris Chadwick, chair of Maryville University’s Board of Trustees, praised Dr. Lombardi’s contributions to the university and the broader field of higher education.
“Dr. Mark Lombardi has defined Maryville University with visionary leadership and a relentless pursuit of fostering educational innovation. He has positioned Maryville to stand apart from its peer universities by how it provides access to all and embraces a student-first mindset for success. The President Emeritus title and the honorary degrees that we will bestow upon him are a tribute to a career that has both transformed an institution and created a pathway for the success of higher learning itself,” said Chadwick.
Since becoming president in 2007, Dr. Lombardi has successfully led Maryville University through a period of tremendous growth, including tripling Maryville’s enrollment to over 9,000 students, adding over 35 new academic programs, moving Maryville Athletics from Division 3 to Division 2 and launching the premier collegiate E-Sports program with over 12 national championships. His focus on the integration of technology and education has positioned Maryville as a leader in digital learning, ensuring students are prepared for the demands of the modern workforce.
Dr. Lombardi’s legacy will continue to inspire the Maryville community for generations to come.
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.