Biography

Dr. Mark Lombardi is the tenth President of Maryville University.  Dr. Lombardi is recognized for a comprehensive career in academe as a faculty member, fundraiser, administrator and political commentator.  He leads a university of 3,600 students spread across four schools (Arts and Sciences, Business, Health Professions and Education), with over fifty majors, seven masters and two doctoral programs.  Maryville University is recognized for its commitment to excellence in teaching and mentoring serving St. Louis and the Midwest for over 135 years.

Over 16 years at two different institutions, Dr. Lombardi has served in the positions of Director of the Baccalaureate Experience, Chair of the Department of Government, History and Sociology; Director of International Programs; Vice President for Academic Affairs, Provost and President. Dr. Lombardi also served as Executive Director of the U.S.-Africa Education Foundation.  Dr. Lombardi attained the rank of tenured full professor at both the University of Tampa and College of Santa Fe and was awarded an honorary doctorate by the board of trustees of the College of Santa Fe in 2007.

Dr. Lombardi's fundraising initiatives netted over twenty-three million dollars for projects in the arts, communications, international programs, technology and student services.  In addition, Dr. Lombardi has done over 175 interviews for radio and television on political and international issues and has traveled extensively in southern and West Africa, Europe and Latin and Central America.  Dr. Lombardi is a noted author, publishing several articles and three books, including Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Global Issues (fifth edition), The Unfolding Legacy of 9/11, and Perspectives on Third World Sovereignty: The Post-Modern Paradox. 

Dr. Lombardi has had significant teaching experience in the fields of U.S. foreign policy, U.S.-Soviet relations, African Politics and Global Issues and received numerous awards for teaching excellence at Ohio State University and the University of Tampa.
 
Dr. Lombardi has been an active member in dozens of organizations and advisory boards in Tampa, Santa Fe, St. Louis and nationally including Boys Hope Girls Hope, Wells Fargo, The Executive Committee of the Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, the Foreign Affairs Council and the US-Africa Education Foundation.

Dr. Lombardi earned a Ph.D. and master's degree in political science and international relations from The Ohio State University and a bachelor's degree in political science from Purdue University.  He and his wife, Liza Rael, have three adult children.