Ohio Dominican President Robert Gervasi Announces Plans to Step Down Next Year
Ohio Dominican University President Robert Gervasi, Ph.D., announced that he will step down in June of 2021 at the completion of his current contract with the university.
Gervasi, who recently turned 70, will have led the university for four years by the time he steps down next summer. He shared the news with the university’s Board of Trustees Thursday morning and announced it to an assembly of ODU faculty and staff Thursday afternoon.
“I have reached a point in my life and my career when it is time to look ahead to a new chapter,” Gervasi said. “It has been and will continue to be my honor to serve as Ohio Dominican’s president, and I have profound respect and affection for the entire ODU community. I will continue to dedicate myself to the advancement of the university's mission throughout the remainder of my service, and I will always wish the best for the wonderful people who make up the ODU community.”
Gervasi came to Ohio Dominican in 2017 from Quincy University in Quincy, Illinois, where he also served as president. During his tenure as ODU’s president, the university successfully completed its 10-year reaccreditation by the Higher Learning Commission. In December of 2018, the university launched its first-ever public bond refinancing to help stabilize the school’s finances. Under his leadership, the university has reversed a period of enrollment declines that preceded his tenure, and his focus on building external relationships and visibility for ODU continues to generate new partnerships with corporate and civic partners across the region, as well as other educational institutions. Gervasi and his wife, Jen, have a close relationship with ODU’s students, often hosting student gatherings in their home adjacent to campus. He oversaw the completion and rededication of the university’s $1 million refurbishment of its historic Sr. Mary Andrew Matesich OP Theatre. Gervasi’s decisive leadership continues to guide ODU in its coordinated and thorough response to the unprecedented crisis brought on by the global COVID-19 pandemic.
“President Gervasi brings a positive energy to ODU’s campus family and he is determined in his efforts to elevate the university’s position in Central Ohio,” said Tom Winters, incoming chair of Ohio Dominican’s Board of Trustees. “We are grateful to Bob for his service and commitment to ODU. I have every confidence that he will build on his record of success to make the year ahead an outstanding one for our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and all who hold Ohio Dominican dear in their hearts.”
ODU Trustee Sr. Gemma Doll, OP serves on the Leadership Team of the Dominican Sisters of Peace, the university’s founding congregation.
“Dr. Gervasi has an obvious passion for Ohio Dominican’s mission and has been a fierce advocate for our students throughout his time as president,” Sr. Gemma said. “His tireless efforts to build external relationships and promote ODU as Central Ohio’s only Catholic university have been extremely productive, and the Dominican Sisters of Peace are grateful for the positive impact he has made – and will continue to make – on this very special place.”
Winters said the ODU Board of Trustees will work on a succession plan in the months ahead.
More Than 400 Students Named to Spring Dean’s List
Ohio Dominican named 413 students to its 2020 spring semester Dean’s List. In order to make the Dean’s List, full-time undergraduate students must have achieved a 3.5 GPA or better after taking a minimum of 12 credit hours. Click here to view the complete list.
The Wehrle Gallery Announces 2020-21 Exhibitions
Ohio Dominican’s Wehrle Gallery will host several exhibitions during the 2020-21 academic year that support its theme of “Focusing Our Vision.” These exhibits will be designed to inspire individuals to further examine the significance of current events, including the COVID-19 pandemic, calls for social justice reform, and a range of environmental matters. Click here to read more and to view the full schedule.
2020 Senior Exhibition Now Available Online
ODU’s 2020 Senior Art Exhibition, “From the Halls of Wehrle,” is now available online. This year’s exhibition features works by graduating Art, Art Education and Graphic Design seniors Ephraim Averhart, Emma Barth, Christina Dresdow, Jaren Gilliam, Taylor Petree and Michael Woerner. Click here to view this year’s exhibition.
ODU Partners with Financial Planning Association of Central Ohio
ODU has partnered with the Financial Planning Association (FPA) of Central Ohio to offer its members an opportunity to complete a wide range of business degree and certificate programs at a discounted rate. Click here to read more.
Virtual Alumni Career Fair on July 23
Hire Talent will host its HireOhio 2020 Virtual Alumni Career Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 23. This free event will feature a special virtual platform, allowing one-on-one audio, video or chat interviews between employers and candidates. Click here to learn more or to register.