Matthew Shank, PhD, began as interim president of St. Edward’s University on July 1, 2026. He previously served as president of Marymount University, a Catholic university in Arlington, VA, which experienced significant growth in enrollment, fundraising, academic programs and community engagement under his leadership.
Dr. Shank has had a distinguished career in university administration, strategic planning, advancement and mission-driven leadership and brings that background in higher education to his work to propel the university forward.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Wyoming and both his Master of Arts in Psychology and his PhD in Experimental Psychology from the University of Missouri, St. Louis. In addition to his presidency at Marymount, he served as the Dean of School of Business Administration at the University of Dayton and president of the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges, where he worked to advance the mission of 17 independent colleges and universities.
Dr. Shank serves as chief development officer of the National Link Trust, a nonprofit organization dedicated to leaving a positive impact on the Washington, DC community. He is also a highly experienced consultant, has been published in numerous scholarly journals on topics of marketing, strategic planning and organizational leadership. He serves on multiple non-profit advisory boards, including the National Catholic Educational Association.
Interim President Shank’s Career Highlights
His distinguished record of higher education leadership demonstrates his clear commitment to academic excellence and a steady, mission-centered approach to institutional stewardship.
- Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology from the University of Missouri - St. Louis (1988)
- Dean of School of Business Administration, University of Dayton (2008-2011)
- President of Marymount University (2011-2018)
- President of Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges (2019-2024)
- Chief Development Officer for National Links Trust (2024)
- World Affairs Council–DC Global Educator of the Year Award (2016)
- Robert Ball Lifetime Achievement Award from the Ballston Business Improvement District (2018)
- Edu-Futuro Community Partner Award (2017)
- Visiting Distinguished Professor – National University of Public Service in Budapest, Hungary (2016)
- Chair, Department of Management and Marketing – Northern Kentucky University (1999-2007)