Provost Kimo Ah Yun to serve as acting president of Marquette University

June 10, 2024

Dr. Kimo Ah YunMILWAUKEE — In the wake of yesterday’s heartbreaking news about President Michael R. Lovell, the Marquette University Board of Trustees elected Provost Kimo Ah Yun to serve as the university’s 25th president in an acting capacity.

Acting President Ah Yun’s years of work with President Lovell as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team will ensure continuity and continued focus on our mission, students, the campus community and our strategic initiatives. 

Acting President Ah Yun, who will continue as provost, joined Marquette in 2016 as dean of the Diederich College of Communication. He was named acting provost in 2018 and permanent provost in 2019. Prior to joining Marquette University, he was associate dean of the College of Arts and Letters at California State University, Sacramento, where he also served as chair of the department of communication studies, director of the Center for Teaching and Learning, and professor of communication studies. 

“While this is an unfathomable loss and Mike Lovell is irreplaceable, the Board of Trustees is committed to supporting our campus community and ensuring Marquette continues to carry out our Catholic, Jesuit mission that Mike lived every day,” said Todd Adams, chair of the Marquette University Board of Trustees. “Mike would want us to make certain that we do everything possible to make sure that Marquette continues to shine its light for generations. Thus, the board is grateful to Acting President Ah Yun for agreeing to continue our important work.”

About Marquette University

Marquette University is a Catholic, Jesuit university located near the heart of downtown Milwaukee that offers a comprehensive range of majors in 11 nationally and internationally recognized colleges and schools. Through the formation of hearts and minds, Marquette prepares our 11,100 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and professional students to lead, excel and serve as agents of positive change. And, we deliver results. Ranked in the top 20% of national universities, Marquette is recognized for its undergraduate teaching, innovation and career preparation as the sixth-best university in the country for job placement. Our focus on student success and immersive, personalized learning experiences encourages students to think critically and engage with the world around them. When students graduate with a Marquette degree, they are truly prepared and called to Be The Difference.

About Kevin Conway

Kevin Conway

Kevin is the associate director for university communication in the Office of University Relations. Contact Kevin at (414) 288-4745 or kevin.m.conway@marquette.edu.