Join Us for the Inauguration of Kimo Ah Yun: Marquette University’s New Visionary President!

MILWAUKEE — The inauguration of Kimo Ah Yun as the 25th president of Marquette University will take place at 10 a.m. Tuesday in the Al McGuire Center, located at 780 N. 12th, Milwaukee. This special event includes a Mass and an installation ceremony.

Ah Yun was elected unanimously by the Marquette Board of Trustees in November 2024. Before this role, he served as acting president and provost since June 2024, following the passing of Dr. Michael R. Lovell. Lovell had led the university as its first lay president from 2014 until his death due to sarcoma, a rare form of cancer.

Joining Marquette in 2016 as the dean of the Diederich College of Communication, Ah Yun’s journey has been marked by significant leadership roles, including acting provost in 2018 and later permanent provost in 2019. Before Marquette, he was the associate dean at California State University, Sacramento, where he was also a professor of communication studies.

The transition to Ah Yun’s presidency comes at a time when universities face unique challenges. Many institutions are navigating significant changes in enrollment trends and funding. For instance, a recent survey showed that nearly 50% of colleges report declining student enrollment due to demographic shifts and changing perceptions about higher education. Expert opinions suggest that innovative leadership, such as that of Ah Yun, will be essential in addressing these issues.

As Marquette looks to the future, the community is eager to see how Ah Yun will blend tradition with innovation. His past experiences indicate an understanding of both academic rigor and the need for adaptability in today’s educational landscape.

For those interested in further discussions about university leadership or trends in higher education, you can find more resources and insights through established educational platforms and research studies.

Let’s celebrate this new chapter for Marquette together.

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