Dr. Mark Lombardi

Mark Lombardi, PhD, has served as the 10th president of Maryville University since 2007. In that time, Maryville has achieved unprecedented growth and earned national distinction for leading an innovative revolution in higher education.

Leading The Digital Revolution In Higher Education 

For sixteen years, Dr. Lombardi has provided visionary leadership for Maryville University. Nationally, he is recognized as a thought leader in the higher education revolution and is frequently called upon to address Maryville University’s significant advances in educational access, learning technology, DEI, data analysis and A.I., and developing an individualized path for students learning and success. He is also co-author of the book Pivot: A Vision for the New University (2019).

Personal Statement About Higher Education

“I believe in a new model for higher education, which removes barriers to learning. The Digital Age has brought the greatest democratization of knowledge since the renaissance. Universities must harness the tools of this age to create access and opportunity for all students regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or socio-economic status. At Maryville, we are driving this dynamic model to transform higher education at a pace more common in the entrepreneurial world than in academia. Using the power of data analytics and Artificial Intelligence, we focus our efforts on putting the student at the center of the learning process. We not only tailor academic experiences based on students’ abilities and learning styles, but we also provide “Amazon-like” service leading to proven graduation and career success outcomes.”

During Dr. Lombardi’s tenure, enrollment at Maryville University has more than tripled to over 10,000 students, hailing from 50 states and 52 countries. The Chronicle of Higher Education has named Maryville the 2nd fastest-growing private university in the nation, in 2022. In 2013 and 2014 U.S. News & World report named Maryville the #1 Over-performing University in the United States. In addition, Maryville has also been ranked in the top 15 percent of universities nationwide for ROI three consecutive years. Six academic programs are nationally ranked, and 98 percent of Maryville graduates have a job in their chosen field or enroll in graduate programs within six months of graduation. Apple has thrice named Maryville an Apple Distinguished School for its innovative leadership. Lombardi has also overseen over $150 million in capital improvements including two new residence halls, The Walker College of Health Professions, state of the art outdoor athletic fields and a new dining facility.

The University engages in deep strategic partnerships with corporate entities such as Apple, Salesforce, BurstIQ, Robots and Pencils and Capacity. Maryville is the dominant Esports collegiate program in the United States, winning seven of the first twelve collegiate National Championships.