Kevin M. Ross

Dr. Kevin M. Ross was named the fifth president of Lynn University, taking office July 1, 2006. He succeeded his father, Dr. Donald E. Ross, who founded Wilmington College before serving as Lynn’s president for 35 years. Ross previously served Lynn as the associate dean of the College of International Communication, director of special projects, director of development, vice president of institutional advancement and chief operating officer.

During his tenure, the university completed a strategic plan, Lynn 2020, and recently launched a new plan, Lynn 2025. Under Ross’ leadership, the university implemented a redesigned core curriculum, the nationally recognized Dialogues; a first-year student experience titled The Citizenship Project; a three-year undergraduate degree program; and acquired Boca Raton-based Digital Media Arts College.

Under Lynn 2020, which launched in 2006 and was completed two years ahead of schedule in 2018, the university transformed campus with enhanced technology and nearly 200,000 square feet of new facilities and raised over $100 million in capital and scholarships to invest in Lynn’s future. Lynn increased graduate enrollment by 55%; improved student retention by 7% and graduation rates by 10%; and grew undergraduate day enrollment 25% from fall 2010 to fall 2017. During this period, Lynn also won seven NCAA Division II national championship titles. The men’s golf team secured the university’s 25th national championship in 2019.

Lynn was consecutively named among the most innovative and international colleges in the country by U.S. News & World Report and recognized four times as an Apple Distinguished School for its iPad initiative, one of the most extensive tablet-based learning efforts in the country. It was also named a “Great College to Work For” by The Chronicle for Higher Education and recognized on the 2015 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll.

Completed campus projects under Lynn 2020 include the Christine E. Lynn University Center; the Mary and Harold Perper Residence Hall; the Keith C. and Elaine Johnson Wold Performing Arts Center, which served as the site of the third and final 2012 presidential debate; the Perper Tennis Complex; Bobby Campbell Stadium; the Mohammed Indimi International Business Center; the Snyder Sanctuary; and Remembrance Plaza, a permanent campus memorial to honor the four students and two faculty members lost in the 2010 Haiti earthquake. Construction is currently underway on the Snyder Center for Health and Wellness.

Ross has served on the Watson Advisory Board, the Millennium Campus Network Board of Directors, the Council of Independent Colleges Board of Directors, the Economic Council of Palm Beach County, and the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County Academic Leaders Council.

He holds a A.B., English from Colgate University, M.A., Liberal Arts from St. John’s College and Ed.D., Higher Education Leadership and Policy from Vanderbilt University.