CRESTVIEW HILLS, Ky. — The Thomas More University Board of Trustees named the university's 15th president Wednesday morning.
Joseph L. Chillo -- who served as the president of Newbury College in Brookline, Massachusetts -- officially takes the reins on June 1.
"I look forward to working with the entire TMU community as someone who serves as a mission-driven, servant leader dedicated to academic and student excellence," Chillo said in a written statement. "I strongly believe that Thomas More University is well positioned for the future and has the unique opportunity to create a bold and visionary future for Catholic higher education."
The board elected Chillo following a national search. The first-generation college graduate attended Binghamton University. He earned a master's degree in Public Administration at Long Island University, and doctorate of Law and Policy at Northeastern University, according to a news release.
The professor of humanities has also held senior positions at Colby-Sawyer College, Wheelock College and St. Thomas Aquinas College.
Board of Trustees Chair Judith Marlowe said Chillo "emerged as our unanimous choice."
"His enthusiasm for leading Thomas More forward into our second century of educational excellence inspired by the Catholic Intellectual Tradition focuses on preparing learners of all ages for life's opportunities and challenges," Marlowe said. "Optimism, stewardship, team building based on trust, and mutual respect are the bedrock of his approach to leadership. We are grateful that he has accepted our offer and very pleased to welcome Dr. Chillo to our campus and community."
Chillo plans on expanding academic program development at TMU, and building partnerships that boost student and alumni opportunities as well as fundraising, the release said.
The community has the opportunity to meet and welcome Chillo to campus at 10 a.m. on May 23 outside the Mary, Seat of Wisdom Chapel.
