Marian University Appoints New President

The Marian University Board of Trustees announced today that it has appointed Andrew P. Manion, Ph.D., as the 16th president of the university, effective on or before March 30, 2016. Manion will succeed Robert A. Fale, who has been serving as interim president since June 2013.

“I am humbled and honored to have been chosen to succeed Bob Fale as Marian University’s next president,” said Manion. “I have admired the mission and vision of Marian for many years and look forward to working with faculty, staff and Board of Trustees on behalf of the students. Amy and I are thrilled to be joining Marian University and the community of Fond du Lac.”

“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Manion to Marian University,” said Eric Stone, immediate past-chair of the Marian University Board of Trustees and chair of the presidential search committee. “From the first time we met Andy, members of the search committee were impressed with the breadth of his experience, his values and his commitment to making Marian University the best possible version of itself. He brings with him a deep understanding of the academic enterprise having served at Aurora University in Aurora, Ill, for 17 years in a variety of roles, including vice president for student life, provost, a period as acting president and most recently as executive vice president. Prior to his time at Aurora, he served at St. Mary’s University of Minnesota. This variety of experiences will serve him well at a time of ever-increasing change in American higher education.”

“Dr. Manion and his wife, Amy, will be great additions to the Fond du Lac community as well as to Marian University,” stated Tony Ahern, newly elected chair of the Marian Board of Trustees. “The Trustees look forward to working with Dr. Manion to take Marian to the next level of excellence. We believe that under his student-focused leadership, the university will continue its legacy of excellence in providing a mission-driven values-based education.”

Dr. Rebecca Sherrick, president of Aurora University, stated, “For over fifteen years, I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to work alongside Dr. Manion at Aurora University. So news of his new leadership role at Marian University is bittersweet. I have no doubt that members of the Sabre community will enjoy getting to know Dr. Manion and his family. I forecast only good things for Marian University in the years ahead with Dr. Manion at the helm.

Manion has a Ph.D. in experimental psychology and a master of arts in psychology, both from Adelphi University. His bachelor of arts in psychology was earned at Saint Norbert College. 

Dr. and Mrs. Manion have two sons, Jack and Kevin, and a daughter, Clare. The Manions will be making their home in Fond du Lac.

Marian University was founded in 1936 by the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes in Fond du Lac, Wis. The institution has one of the lowest student-faculty ratios in the state, and strives to live its core values as a community committed to learning, dedicated to service and social justice and joined together by spiritual traditions. Marian offers undergraduate, adult, master’s and doctoral degree programs at its main campus and in facilities throughout Wisconsin.