Joseph J. McGowan was appointed as Bellarmine University’s third president in 1990. He came to the position uniquely qualified having served for twenty-two years at Fordham University in New York as a vice president and dean. Prior to that he was an admissions and financial aid officer at the University of Notre Dame. He received his doctorate in higher education from Columbia University in New York and earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Notre Dame. He also is a graduate of Harvard University’s Institute for Educational Management.
Dr. McGowan led the transformation of Bellarmine College to Bellarmine University, which has been named as the region’s best comprehensive university by U.S. News and World Report over 12 continuous years. Barron’s Profiles of American Colleges and the Princeton Review, The Best 357 Colleges also include Bellarmine University as an excellent university.
During his tenure, Dr. McGowan’s progress and achievement in academic life, student life, campus environment, and financial well-being of the University have been considerable. Some highlights include:
20 new academic programs created.
A School of Education, School of Continuing and Professional Studies, the Center for Interdisciplinary Technology& Entrepreneurship, and a Center for Ethics and Social Justice established, and the Lansing School of Nursing expanded to include Health Sciences.
Successful accreditation by AACSB achieved for the Rubel School of Business.
In the past 5 years, a 25% increase in full-time undergraduate enrollment and a 65% increase in total full-time enrollment.
The University’s revenue increased 171% over last 10 years.
Over $75M raised in the past 12 years.
Intercollegiate sports teams increased from 15 to 19, including the launching of the very successful NCAA Division I Men’s Lacrosse team.
Residence hall capacity increased by 50% over a 12 year period. In the last 3 years, out of state residents increased from 20% to 40%.
Extensive building and renovation projects provide the Bellarmine community with wonderful teaching and living space. New buildings have increased the square footage on the campus by 87%, with an additional 400,000 square feet. Facilities design has merited 11 architecture awards.
A new Thomas Merton Center has been built to house the 45,000 document Merton archives.
Dr. McGowan is active in the civic, professional, and service life of the community, state and nation. Most recently, he has served on the boards of:
National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities
American Council on Higher Education
Greater Louisville Inc., Executive Committee
Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities
