LIVONIA, Mich. – For the first time in the school's 78-year history, Madonna University has named a lay president.
Dr. Michael A. Grandillo will succeed Sister Rose Marie Kujawa, effective July 1. The 4,200-student liberal arts university in Livonia plans to hold an inauguration for Grandillo in the fall.
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"I am humbled and honored to be called upon to serve and lead this exceptional university community," Grandillo said in a news release. "I understand and embrace the charism and core values of the Felician Sisters and Madonna University. I am eager to continue building on our successes to ensure Catholic higher education is accessible and affordable at Madonna."
After 14 years as president at Madonna, Kujawa announced her retirement last spring.
Grandillo has spent the past 35 years working in higher education. He currently serves as interim vice president at St. Mary's College in Maryland.
"At this historic juncture; when the University is hiring its first lay president, Dr. Grandillo is the perfect leader to take Madonna into the future," said Michael Talbot, Madonna University Board Chair. "His breadth of experience across all aspects of university administration, and his deep faith and respect for the Felician/Franciscan mission and tradition will serve him and the Madonna community well."
Located at the corner of Levan Road and the Interstate 96 Service Drive in Livonia, Madonna University has been led by the Felician Sisters since its founding in 1937. According to its website, the school offers more than 100 associate and bachelor's degrees and more than 30 master's programs.