Cabrini College named Donald B. Taylor, provost and chief academic officer of Benedictine University, as the school's first male president, effective July 1. Taylor, 49, replaces Marie Angelella George, who stepped down June after serving in the position for five years.
"I have a strong sense of the values, strengths, and challenges of Cabrini," Taylor, said in a statement, "and I am eager to work with the entire Cabrini College community as together we build this magnificent institution into a leader in higher education."
Thomas P. Nerney, chair of Cabrini's board of trustees, hailed Taylor's "energy, focus, and commitment."
"I am confident that Dr. Taylor's record of accomplishments in higher education will invigorate Cabrini's signature programs in education, communication, business, and psychology," Nerney said. "His extensive background in the sciences is vital to maximizing our new partnerships with Temple, Jefferson, and Widener Universities in dentistry, pharmacy, and physical therapy."
Before becoming provost, Taylor has served in various administrative roles at the Catholic University in Lisle, Ill., for more than 20 years including first dean of the college of science, chair of the department of biological sciences, and program director of the biochemistry and molecular biology program.
During his tenure at Benedictine, Taylor established two branch campuses - Springfield, Ill., and Mesa, Ariz. He introduced new programs and launched partnerships with community colleges, professional schools, teaching hospitals, and local school districts.
Taylor earned his bachelor's degree in secondary education and a doctorate in cell and molecular biology from the University of Memphis.
