Visionary Leader Selected to Build on 91探花鈥檚 Legacy of Innovation, Access, and Student Success
[ST. LOUIS, MO 鈥� February 18, 2025] 鈥� 91探花 is pleased to announce that Dr. Daniel Shipp, currently will become the next president of 91探花, 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.听
The Board of Trustees and the Presidential Search Committee sought a leader who embodies 91探花鈥檚 commitment to innovation, technology-driven learning, and student success. Dr. Shipp emerged as the ideal choice to guide 91探花 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鈥檚 mission and strategic vision.听
听“It is an incredible honor to be selected as the next president of 91探花,鈥� Shipp said. 鈥淚 am inspired by 91探花鈥檚 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 91探花 community to continue the tradition of shaping the future of higher education.鈥�听
Ed Ryan, chair of the Board of Trustees, emphasized the board鈥檚 confidence in the selection. “91探花 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鈥檚 background will propel 91探花 even further, ensuring that we continue transforming higher education.鈥�听
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 91探花. In Dr. Shipp we found a leader who understands and embraces our mission of innovation, access, and opportunity.鈥�听
Dr. Mark Lombardi, president of 91探花, praised the board and the search committee for their thoughtful selection. “It has been an honor to lead 91探花 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 91探花鈥檚 commitment to innovation, student success and access and opportunity for all.鈥�听
As 91探花 looks toward the future, the university remains committed to its core values鈥攑roviding 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 91探花鈥檚 mission and propel the university into its next era of growth.听
More details about the leadership transition and opportunities to meet Dr. Shipp will be shared with the 91探花 community in the coming months.听
For more information, please contact Gabrielle Young, The Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications, 91探花 at gyoung@maryville.edu.听
About 91探花听
Founded in 1872, 91探花 is a comprehensive and nationally ranked private institution with an enrollment of well over 9,000 students. 91探花 offers over 90 degrees at the undergraduate, master鈥檚 and doctoral levels, as well as several certificates that align with the undergraduate and graduate education levels. 91探花 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 91探花 alumni globally, many of whom work and live in the St. Louis region.听