Notre Dame College welcomes new president Pressimone

The Notre Dame College Board announced that J. Michael Pressimone has assumed the presidency of the South Euclid college effective April 8.

Pressimone is the 15 president of the college that was founded in 1922. He succeeds Thomas Kruczek.

The college first announced Pressimone’s hiring last month but said he wouldn’t officially assume his duties until July 1.

Pressimone served as the president of Fontbonne University in St. Louis, Mo., since 2014. Longtime Notre Dame College faculty and administrative leader John Galovic, has been the interim president of Notre Dame College since May 2019.

“Dr. Galovic, who faithfully and admirably served as interim president, will assume the role of liaison to the president and work directly with Dr. Pressimone and others to ensure a smooth transition,” Board Chair Ann Hawkins said in a news release. “During these trying times, we are happy to have two experienced leaders working with campus staff and faculty to navigate these troubled waters. I and my fellow board members have great confidence in college leadership.”

Pressimone is a native of Baltimore, and was a first-generation college student, as are about 40 percent of Notre Dame College students, the release stated.

“In the weeks since my appointment was announced, I have worked closely with interim President Galovic and many others at Notre Dame to prepare for this exciting new opportunity,” Pressimone

said in the release. “I look forward to working with this dedicated, mission-driven group of women and men to serve the needs of our diverse student population.”

“In the weeks since my appointment was announced, I have worked closely with interim President Galovic and many others at Notre Dame to prepare for this exciting new opportunity.” — statement from J. Michael Pressimone

Pressimone