Alumni of the University, Carolyn N. Everson, Doug Gaston, Esq. and Richard J. Kreider joined Villanova’s Board of Trustees in time for the spring semester.

The new board members will be an asset to the group as they  bring diversity, new skills sets, impressive qualifications and remarkable achievements. The new members’ backgrounds will help bring different perspectives into future decisions focused on the imporvement of the University.

Everson, a 1993 CLAS graduate, is currently the Vice President of Global Marketing Solutions at Facebook. Before joining Facebook, Everson served as Corporate Vice President of Microsoft’s Global Advertising Sales and Trade Marketing teams. Before her time at Microsoft, she spent seven years at MTV Networks where she worked as Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of U.S Ad Sales. She also holds an MBA from Harvard Business School. Everson described her experience at the University by saying, “Villanova had a profound impact on me. it shaped my early professional years and gave me life-long friendships. Serving as a Trustee was a goal, frankly a dream and now it has become a reality. I would encourage everyone to dream big and set your sights on achieving things you never thought possible. Villanova’s education and spirit of community is second to none. I am immensely grateful for all that was afforded to me while I was at the University and am thrilled to be in a position to give back.” 

Gaston, a 1992 Villanova Law School Graduate joined the board after retiring as the Senior Vice President of Comcast Cable and the General Counsel. Before his time at Comcast, he worked as a corporate associate in the Business and Finance department at Morgan, Lewis and Bockius, LLP.

Finally, Kreider, a VSB graduate of 1983, joined the board after retiring as the Director of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. in April 2014. Prior to his 28 years at KKR, Kreider worked as a CPA for Deloitte & Touche. He also holds an MBA from New York University.

“I am extremely pleased to welcome these three alumni, who are leaders in their fields, to the Villanova University Board of Trustees,” University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD said, “I look forward to working with each of them as they provide expertise and guidance to the University and the community as a whole.”

The Board of Trustees has many sub-committees that control different aspects, such as the Trustee Committee and a Committee of Governance and Bylaws. Each member holds a five-year term with the option of renewing his or her position. In addition, nine Augustinians must stand on the board. Furthermore, no employees of the school, with the exception of the President of the University, can be members.

The Board of Trustees also holds an exceptional amount of power in the school community. It appoints the president of the University and is responsible for the University as a whole. In fact, the board gives Donohue the power to give out degrees at the end of the year.

It also must approve new programs and majors within the different colleges. For example, it approved the Doctorate in Theology. The Board also sets the tuition price and budget every year. Currently, the Board continues to focus on the Lancaster Avenue project and the national classification changes.

The members of Villanova’s Board have major interests in the well being and success of the school since they all have connections to the University. Usually the government picks the board members for various colleges and state schools. On the other hand, board members must prioritize the University as their primary philanthropic interest.

All members donate a sum of their means every year to the University in addition to the dedication of much of their time and energy into the upbuilding of the University.

New members of diverse backgrounds will bring refreshing new perspectives to the future decisions the board members decide to make regarding the University.

Photo courtesy of Villanova University