Two of Villa Maria College’s key leaders received new titles this week. Brian Emerson is now the Executive Vice President and Dr. Ryan Hartnett is the Provost.
“Emerson has served Villa Maria College unwaveringly for close to ten years,” said Dr. Matthew Giordano, Villa Maria’s president. “His responsibilities have changed and evolved multiple times in his tenure, including student affairs, corporate responsibility, recruitment, athletics, facilities, security, marketing, public relations, and IT, among others. He has served us with diligence, passion, and self-sacrifice, constantly working to create a stronger, better Villa that can more effectively fulfill our mission.”
The title of Executive Vice President better reflects the broadness of Brian’s responsibilities, his status as the longest-serving vice president, and his sustained record of outstanding leadership at Villa.
Emerson came to Villa in 2013 as the College’s Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Services. He has since served the College in a multitude of capacities. Before coming to Villa, he gained experience in higher education working at Notre Dame College and Houghton College. Emerson earned his Bachelor of Art in Religion from Houghton College and a Master of Arts in Theology from Christ King Seminary and Graduate School.
Similarly, the title of Provost more accurately recognizes the magnitude and scope of Dr. Hartnett’s responsibilities, which range from student life, to career services, to the Achieve Program, to all things academic, with many more in between. “Dr. Hartnett unequivocally has earned this title with his vast accomplishments, his many contributions far exceeding his official responsibilities, and his unyielding commitment to our students, our faculty and staff, and our mission,” said Dr. Giordano. “The title of Provost acknowledges Dr. Hartnett’s record of exemplary leadership as well as his capability to lead for many years to come.”
Provost is the College’s highest ranking academic position. With this title, Dr. Hartnett remains Villa Maria’s chief academic and student affairs officer. During his time at Villa, Dr. Hartnett has led the development of several new academic programs, including Community Health, Motion Design, Digital Media Design, and more. He also spearheaded the College’s latest academic venture, its professional certificate programs. Over the last two years, Dr. Hartnett has worked tirelessly to develop and launch 17 certificate programs in computer sciences, filmmaking, marketing, and more.
Dr. Hartnett joined the College in 2013 as the Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs. Previously, he held several roles at Trocaire College. Dr. Hartnett earned a Bachelor of Art in Philosophy and Psychology from SUNY at Buffalo. He earned his doctorate in Philosophy of Science, Metaphysics, and Bioethics.
