91自拍

Honorary Degrees Recognize Dr. Lombardi鈥檚 Visionary Leadership and Transformative Impact on Higher Education

[ST. LOUIS, MO 鈥� April 23, 2025] 鈥� 91自拍 is proud to announce that Dr. Mark Lombardi, president of 91自拍, 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鈥檚 leadership, 91自拍 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 91自拍 apart as a model for 21^st 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 91自拍’s Board of Trustees, praised Dr. Lombardi鈥檚 contributions to the university and the broader field of higher education.

鈥淒r. Mark Lombardi has defined 91自拍 with visionary leadership and a relentless pursuit of fostering educational innovation. He has positioned 91自拍 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,鈥� said Chadwick.

Since becoming president in 2007, Dr. Lombardi has successfully led 91自拍 through a period of tremendous growth, including tripling 91自拍鈥檚 enrollment to over 9,000 students, adding over 35 new academic programs, moving 91自拍 Athletics from Division 3 to Division 2 and launching the premier collegiate E-Sports program with over 12 national championships.聽 His focus on the integration of technology and education has positioned 91自拍 as a leader in digital learning, ensuring students are prepared for the demands of the modern workforce.

Dr. Lombardi鈥檚 legacy will continue to inspire the 91自拍 community for generations to come.

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Founded in 1872, 91自拍 is a comprehensive and nationally ranked private institution with an enrollment of well over 9,000 students. 91自拍 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自拍 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自拍 alumni globally, many of whom work and live in the St. Louis region.