The Board of Visitors capped off a year of impressive faculty and student success, cutting-edge research and significant campus enhancements by naming
John R. Broderick as Old Dominion University's eighth president in May.
With a forward-focused and collaborative leadership style, Broderick is well known and well regarded around campus, in the community and among legislators from his one-year role as acting president and 12 years as vice president for institutional advancement and admissions at ODU.
"Over the past year, John Broderick has deftly navigated Old Dominion University through a myriad of challenges and opportunities," said Board of Visitors Rector Ross Mugler in announcing the appointment. "John impressed the board with his knowledge and experience leading ODU, his positive relationships with legislators, community leaders, faculty, students, alumni and donors, and his dedication and commitment to this university."
"I am honored that the Board of Visitors would place their confidence in me at this challenging, but exciting, time in Old Dominion University's history," noted Broderick. "I pledge to continue to work hard, be creative, invite collaboration and manage the intricate details to keep this university moving forward. I am excited to lead Old Dominion University into the future."
Broderick joined Old Dominion in 1993 as director of university relations and was promoted to vice president in 1996. He took on the additional duties of chief of staff to the president in 2003. Prior to joining ODU, Broderick was a faculty member in the University of Pittsburgh system and an administrator at St. Bonaventure University. He received a bachelor's degree from Northeastern University and a graduate degree from St. Bonaventure.
He has been recognized for his contributions to higher education and the Hampton Roads community with the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities' Humanitarian Award, the Urban League of Hampton Roads' Marian Palmer Capps Award and the College Communicators Association Distinguished Service Award. He was a finalist for the national PR News' Professional of the Year Award.
In addition to his administrative duties, Broderick annually teaches graduate courses in the Darden College of Education.
STRATEGIC PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
Under the leadership of President Broderick, Old Dominion administrators, faculty, staff and students launched a comprehensive enrollment management initiative in 2008 to integrate all programs, practices, policies and planning for the university to achieve optimal future enrollment and growth.
Thirteen committees, ranging from freshman, graduate and international student issues to distance learning, retention and continuing education, met over the course of the academic year to develop an enrollment management plan, which establishes institutional priorities and provides the basis on which to make decisions for the future of the university.
Old Dominion also drafted its 2009-2014 Strategic Plan, which will position the university to further develop its growing research reputation, enhance its residential campus, and strengthen its partnerships and contributions to the region.