Lieutenant General John Broadmeadow, USMC (Ret) ’83, was warmly welcomed as the nominated 25th President of Norwich University during the town hall on February 29 at Mack Auditorium, where he outlined his vision and objectives for the institution’s future.
“This semester will mark a pivotal moment in Norwich University’s storied history,” said Shane Thompson, 19, a sophomore civilian CSIA major from Beverly, Massachusetts. “It’s an exciting time for all of us connected to Norwich.”
Broadmeadow’s illustrious military career, which spans nearly four decades, includes significant roles such as the Deputy Commander of the United States Transportation Command and leading the Marine Corps’ response to COVID-19 at the Pentagon. His final assignment was as the Director of the Marine Corps Staff.
“I first met Lieutenant General Broadmeadow two years ago at a board of trustees dinner,” said Josh Beeghley, 21, a senior civilian electrical and computer engineering major from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
“Having spent time with him this past week, I feel confident in his abilities and plan for his presidency,” Beeghley said.
The Town Hall took place in a Q&A format, led by Josh Beeghley, Resident Coordinator of Crawford Hall, and Henry Dennee, the Regimental Commander for the 2023-2024 academic year, facilitating an engaging discussion.
Among Broadmeadow’s top priorities are reinforcing the university’s core values, ensuring financial stability, boosting enrollment and retention, and rolling out a strategic plan for sustained excellence.
“We have got a great marketing campaign,” Broadmeadow said during the town hall. “It is a fantastic start, but I have got to make sure that it remains focused, and it remains a priority for us…”
His leadership comes at a critical time, as he also faces a personal health challenge with a scheduled surgery for prostate cancer on April 9. Despite this, Broadmeadow remains optimistic about the future and his ability to lead the university without disruption.
“This is something that is very recoverable,” Broadmeadow said during the town hall. “Over the next year, I don’t anticipate my health issues will affect me at all.”
Broadmeadow’s connection to Norwich runs deep. A distinguished alumnus himself, he has been a prominent figure in many alumni and university events, contributing significantly to the institution’s legacy.
His approach to presidency includes a focus on maintaining a strong corps of cadets, enhancing the alumni network, and ensuring the university’s financial health through wise spending and effective fundraising.
“I hope that Lieutenant General John Broadmeadow will improve upon the school itself and provide more for the students and faculty,” Thompson said.
The Norwich community has high hopes for Broadmeadow’s presidency, seeing in him a leader capable of steering the institution through challenges while capitalizing on opportunities for growth and innovation.
“I have my full trust in General Broadmeadow to be the leader he promised today and connect with students to create a more positive community,” Beeghley said.
