Lisle, IL ~ The Benedictine University Board of Trustees has named Charles W. Gregory as its 12th president in the institution’s 132-year history. Gregory has been serving as the interim president since August 13, 2018 when Dr. Michael Brophy resigned from the position.
“Charles Gregory is one of the most experienced and respected leaders in the history of Benedictine University,” said James L. Melsa, Ph.D, Chairman of the Benedictine University Board of Trustees. “He brings a track record of exceptional leadership, a deep commitment to the values we cherish, and an infectious passion for success.”
Prior to serving as interim president, Gregory was the Chief Executive Officer of the University’s Mesa, Arizona campus. However for most of his Benedictine tenure, he was the Executive Vice President of Benedictine’s main campus where he provided oversight and guidance in the areas of enrollment, retention, financial aid, student life, campus safety, campus services and advancement.
“It is truly an honor and privilege to become the 12th president of Benedictine University,” said Gregory. “This University has been my family for more than 20 years and to know I will continue working alongside so many talented and dedicated faculty and staff is incredibly rewarding.”
During Gregory’s time at Benedictine University, he has been instrumental in a wide range of projects and initiatives including the construction of the Village of Lisle-Benedictine University Sports Complex; the addition of the new, 125,000-square foot Daniel L. Goodwin College of Business building; the opening of the branch campus in Mesa in 2012; the growth of Division III Athletics to 17 sports programs; and from 2002-2012, a 132 percent enrollment growth, earning the University the title of “No. 1 fastest growing campus in the country among private, nonprofit doctorial institutions,” by The Chronicle of Higher Education.
“This is a pivotal moment for Benedictine University – one full of extraordinary possibilities to enhance this institution,” added Melsa. “Charlie is someone the Board feels embodies a bold, collaborative, boundary-crossing, creative approach to help us toward a successful future.”
Gregory started his career in education as a teacher but moved into higher education administration when he was hired by Cumberland University as the Director of Admissions and Financial Aid. Later he was promoted to Dean of Enrollment Management.
Following a successful run at Cumberland, where he also taught courses in addition to his enrollment responsibilities, Gregory worked for Nashville State Technical Institute (now called Nashville State Community College) as the Dean of Students and Siena Heights College as the Dean of Enrollment before joining Benedictine University in 1997.
A native of Franklin, Kentucky, Gregory earned a Bachelor of Science from Austin Peay State University and a Master of Education from Cumberland University. In 2018 he was given an honorary doctorate from Benedictine University.
“I am looking forward to furthering relationships with the University’s passionate alumni, parents, students and community leaders to support future groundbreaking initiatives, projects and programs,” added Gregory. “I want Benedictine to be the best place for students to receive an education, so they can realize their dreams.”
Benedictine University in Lisle
Benedictine University is located in Lisle, Illinois, just 25 miles west of Chicago, and has a branch campus in Mesa, Arizona. Founded as a Catholic university in 1887, Benedictine enrolls more than 5,000 students in undergraduate and graduate programs. Forbes magazine named Benedictine among “America’s Top Colleges” for the eighth consecutive year in 2018 and the institution is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org).
For more information, contact (630) 829-6300, admissions@ben.edu or visit ben.edu.
Story and photo submitted by Gary Kohn, Associate Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Benedictine University.
