Stephen Standifird Named University’s 12th President

After a search that yielded more than 100 applicants from around the world, the Board of Trustees selected Stephen Standifird MBA Ph.D., dean of the Andre B. Lacy School of Business at Butler University, to serve as Bradley’s 12th president, effective May 1.

“We set out in this search to find the right person for this time and this moment for Bradley University,” said presidential search co-chairs, the Honorable James L. Shadid ’79 and Kathi Holst ’79. “In Steve Standifird, we believe we have found that person. We know Steve will highlight and grow Bradley’s successes in faculty achievements and our students’ accomplishments in academics and athletics as he challenges the entire Bradley family to push the boundaries of what’s possible.”

Standifird succeeds Gary R. Roberts ’70, who steps down May 31. Roberts announced his intent to retire last May.

“I am excited to be part of an organization that has at its core such a rich history of innovation and can-do spirit, a history that comes from the very founder of our university, Lydia Moss Bradley,” Standifird said.

Prior to joining Butler in 2014, Standifird served as dean of the business school at the University of Evansville. He previously held the positions of associate dean of graduate and professional programs and director of undergraduate programs, both at the University of San Diego.

Faculty members Jacqueline Hogan, professor of sociology and anthropology; Tanya Marcum, professor of entrepreneurship, technology, and law; and Laurence Weinzimmer, Caterpillar Professor of Strategic Management, served on the search committee and cited “a very comprehensive process.”

“We believe Dr. Standifird is the most qualified applicant. His strategic-planning experience, fundraising successes and his ideas for growth at Bradley University are all exceptional,” they said. “We are excited about his leadership on campus, his availability to students and faculty, and his vision for our future.”

Standifird earned a bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering from Purdue University before earning an MBA from Northwestern University and a doctorate in organization studies from the University of Oregon.

He is married to Vivian Lee Standifird, CFO at Rehab Medical, Inc. The couple has two daughters, Sorana, 10, and Brianna, 6.

Learn more about Standifird at bradley.edu/president-standifird.