- Degrees
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LP.D., Northeastern University
M.P.A., Long Island University
BA, Binghamton University
- Additional Information
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Joseph L. Chillo is the 15th President of Thomas More University, where he has led a period of transformational growth, institutional advancement, and strategic innovation since June 2019. A nationally respected leader in Catholic higher education, President Chillo is recognized for advancing mission-centered institutions through visionary leadership, collaborative governance, and a commitment to academic excellence, student success, and regional engagement.
President Chillo has positioned Thomas More University for long-term success by aligning strategic planning, philanthropic investment, academic innovation, and community partnerships around a bold vision for the University's second century. Guided by the institution's Catholic identity and liberal arts tradition, he has strengthened Thomas More's reputation as the premier Catholic liberal arts University serving the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region while expanding its influence globally.
Central to his leadership has been the successful implementation of the University's strategic plan, Lighting the Way, which established an ambitious framework for institutional growth and innovation. Under his direction, Thomas More launched the Second Century Campaign: It's Time for More, the largest comprehensive fundraising initiative in University history. The campaign surpassed its original $30 million goal by raising more than $47.2 million in five years, providing transformative investments in student scholarships, academic programs, faculty excellence, campus facilities, and long-term institutional sustainability.
President Chillo's tenure has been defined by disciplined strategic growth and measurable institutional outcomes. The University has experienced significant gains in enrollment and student retention while expanding its academic portfolio with new undergraduate and graduate programs across all three colleges. He has championed innovation in the student experience through the introduction of the Second Century Core, a distinctive curriculum rooted in the Catholic Intellectual Tradition that prepares graduates to lead with purpose, integrity, and intellectual curiosity in an increasingly complex world.
Recognizing that thriving institutions must evolve while remaining grounded in their mission, President Chillo has overseen significant investments in the University's physical and academic infrastructure. His leadership has resulted in the construction of a new academic center, strategic property acquisitions that expand opportunities for students and the surrounding community, and continued investment in facilities that enhance teaching, learning, and campus life. He also guided Thomas More's successful transition to NCAA Division II athletics, elevating opportunities for student-athletes while strengthening institutional visibility and regional partnerships.
President Chillo believes that universities serve as anchor institutions that drive economic vitality, civic leadership, and regional prosperity. He has intentionally expanded Thomas More's role as a collaborative partner throughout Northern Kentucky by strengthening relationships with business, government, nonprofit, and community leaders. Under his leadership, the University established its Office of Community and Government Relations within the OneNKY Center in Covington, reinforcing Thomas More's commitment to regional collaboration and public engagement. Partnerships with organizations such as the Florence Y'alls have further enhanced opportunities for students while increasing the University's visibility throughout the region.
His leadership has also elevated Thomas More's national profile. During his presidency, the University has earned increasing recognition from organizations including U.S. News & World Report and The Wall Street Journal while successfully reaffirming institutional accreditation through the Commission on Colleges and Universities. Academic programs across multiple disciplines have likewise achieved reaffirmation from their respective accrediting bodies, reflecting a culture of continuous improvement and institutional excellence.
Beyond the University, President Chillo is an influential voice on the future of higher education, organizational leadership, and mission-driven institutions. He is a frequent speaker at national and regional conferences and has contributed to professional publications, podcasts, and leadership forums focused on the changing landscape of higher education, governance, enrollment strategy, and institutional transformation. He also serves on accreditation review committees for the Commission on Colleges and Universities supporting quality assurance and continuous improvement across colleges and universities throughout the region.
President Chillo's commitment to civic leadership is reflected in his extensive service to regional and statewide organizations. He serves on the boards of the BE NKY Growth Partnership, the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, and the OneNKY Alliance, helping shape initiatives that strengthen economic development, workforce readiness, and regional competitiveness. In 2025, he was elected Vice Chair of the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities where he helps guide statewide advocacy, governance, and strategic priorities on behalf of Kentucky's independent institutions. A graduate of Leadership Kentucky's Class of 2022, he is widely recognized for building partnerships that connect higher education with business, government, and community priorities.
President Chillo's leadership has earned widespread recognition throughout the region. He was named a NewsMaker by the Northern Kentucky Tribune for his leadership and community service and has been recognized annually by Cincinnati Magazine as one of the region's 300 Most Powerful Business Leaders, reflecting the University's growing influence under his presidency.
A first-generation college graduate, President Chillo understands firsthand the transformative power of higher education. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History from Binghamton University, a Master of Public Administration from Long Island University, and a Doctor of Law and Policy from Northeastern University. He has further strengthened his executive leadership through programs offered by the Council of Independent Colleges, the Harvard Graduate School of Education Seminar for New Presidents, and Harvard University's Institute for Educational Management.
Before joining Thomas More University, President Chillo served as president of Newbury College and previously held senior leadership positions at Colby-Sawyer College, Wheelock College, and St. Thomas Aquinas College. Across more than 25 years in private higher education, he has built a reputation for leading institutions through strategic transformation while remaining steadfast in his commitment to mission, student success, and the enduring value of a liberal arts education.
President Chillo's leadership is defined by a clear belief that higher education must not simply respond to change—it must shape it. Through strategic vision, principled leadership, and a deep commitment to the common good, he continues to position Thomas More University to educate ethical leaders, strengthen communities, and create lasting impact for generations to come.
- Employee Roles
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Departments Positions Titles Thomas More University President President