ODU’s Board of Visitors has announced that John R. Broderick will fill the role of interim president of the university. Broderick will hold the position until the school’s search committee chooses a permanent replacement for former President Roseann Runte. Broderick currently holds the title of vice president for institutional advancement and admissions and chief of staff.
     Broderick joined ODU in 1993, when he became director of public information. In 1996, he began serving as vice president.
     Prior to the announcement, his responsibilities included admissions, athletics, community relations, governmental relations, media relations, military affairs, special events, and other tasks, according to a news posting on ODU’s main page. The posting also states Broderick is the executive editor of the alumni magazine and Quest, a faculty research magazine.
     Broderick also teaches a class, “School, Community Relations and Politics,” annually and writes articles for several professional journals and newspapers.
     When asked why the BOV chose him as interim, Broderick referred the question to the rector, Marc Jacobson, who did not immediately return messages.
     According to the ODU news report, Jacobson said at the announcement “With his significant institutional knowledge and considerable experience and abilities, Broderick will ensure that the leadership and momentum provided by President Runte continues.”
     Broderick said he will serve as interim president until the new president physically arrives and becomes active, which might be some time after the person is announced, and the current presidential search will continue as scheduled, with hopes of announcing a new president by the end of July. He said that when members accepted the role on the search committee, they agreed and committed to the fact that they would not be candidates for the presidential position.

     When asked if he will be more of a caretaker or if he will implement some of his own ideas in his newly appointed role, Broderick said “We have significant challenges and tremendous opportunities at the institution on a daily basis. I will be especially proactive and visible to assure the outside constituencies that provide funding to us - such as donors, Richmond and Washington - continue to be reminded of the great things we are doing and are capable of doing with additional support. Internally, we have a great group of vice presidents and deans, which ensures the campus will run smoothly.”

mraposa@maceandcrown.com