Madison Silvert Appointed President of Brescia University

In August 2025, attorney Madison Silvert was inaugurated as the sixth President (but first lay President) of Brescia University in Kentucky (he began his tenure in March 2025).   

New to full-time work in higher education, Silvert had previously served as President of BryantCorp, where he managed and developed hospitality and commercial real estate holdings. He also previously served as President and CEO of the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation. He worked in private practice as a lawyer and taught as an adjunct professor at Brescia University, Kentucky Wesleyan College and Owensboro Community and Technical College.   

He is not new to higher education.  In addition to his adjunct teaching, Silvert served on the executive committee of Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and in 2021 he was appointed by Gov. Andy Beshear to the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education where he currently serves as Chair.  

Silvert earned his JD from University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law.  

St. John's College President Nora Demleitner Announces Intent to Step Down

Legal scholar and former law dean Nora Demleitner has announced her intention to step down as President of St. John’s College headquartered in Annapolis, MD.

Maurice Gipson Appointed Permanent President of Philander Smith University

Having served as interim president since August 2024, Dr. Maurice Gipson, Esq. has been appointed to the post on a permanent basis following a national search.

Gipson previously held leadership positions at Arkansas State University, the University of Texas at Austin, Wiley University, and Huston-Tillotson University.

Like some other lawyer presidents, Gipson also previously served a four-year term on Philander Smith's Board of Trustees, where he chaired the Governance Committee and served as vice chairman.

He holds a Ph.D. in history from the University of Mississippi, a Juris Doctor from Southern University Law Center, a master's degree in history from Missouri State University, and graduated from Louisiana State University. He is a licensed attorney.