The Chronicle of Higher Education named Maryville the third-fastest-growing private university in the United States. Lombardi, who plans to retire this summer, has also played a key role in the community, including support for the Musial Awards, the St. Louis Speakers Series, and more.
PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
What has been your or your company’s most significant success over the last 12 months? A 22 percent increase in freshmen enrollment and being named the third fastest-growing private university in the nation.
What has you most excited about the future of your company or industry? The implementation of A.I. will expand access and opportunity for millions of students.
If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why? Reduce the cost of tuition and switch to a subscription model.
What’s the toughest business challenge you’ve had to overcome (excluding the pandemic) and why? Dealing with and treating the emotional wellness of students.
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MENTORS & PEERS
To whom or where do you go for sound business advice? Our board of trustees.
What piece of advice has had the most significant impact on your career? “We will strive for perfection, knowing that we will never attain it. But in the pursuit of perfection, we will catch excellence.”
If you could have dinner with any two area business leaders, who would you choose and why? Warren Buffett and Tim Cook. Pick the brain about the future of an AI-dominated economy
Who is the most interesting under-the-radar/emerging business leader in St. Louis and why? Rusty Keeley because of the culture he creates in his companies
What is one thing you would change about the St. Louis metro area business environment and why? Unite it around a regional development focus and limit the balkanization of areas.
BACKGROUND
Where were you born? Providence, Rhode Island
What was your childhood aspiration? To be president
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it? I worked at a beach club and learned that how you treat people in the service industries says much about your character.
What educational degrees do you hold, and where were they earned? B.A. in Political Science at Purdue University, M.A. and Ph.D. In Political Science at Ohio State University.
HOBBIES & INTERESTS
If you were not in your current profession, what would you be doing and why? I’d be a writer because I love to write and create characters who are faced with challenges in life and overcome them.
What is your favorite St. Louis-area restaurant, and what do you typically order there? Paul Manno’s halibut or Chilean sea bass.
What is one item you recently crossed off your bucket list? Going to the Final Four.
What is one book you think everyone should read (or podcast everyone should listen to) and why? Doris Kearns Goodwin’s Team of Rivals
What’s your hobby/passion? Golf
What is your most prized possession? A Green Bay football helmet signed to me from Bart Starr.
What would people be surprised to learn about you—a fun fact? I like to dance.
What is your go-to karaoke song? “My Way” by Frank Sinatra
