Madison C. Silvert, J.D., said he felt the weight and privilege of history on Friday as he was officially inaugurated as the sixth president of Brescia University. Silvert is the first lay person to hold the role in the institution’s 100-year history.
“It means a lot,” Silvert said just before the ceremony when asked what his inauguration day meant to him. “I think the trust that this Board of Trustees has placed in me and my family to be here, and to be able to further the mission of this university in its 100th year, it’s pretty special.”
As he begins his tenure, Silvert said the immediate focus will be on developing a new strategic plan, with an emphasis on student success and financial health.
“We’ve just finished a five-year strategic plan. We’re developing the new one as we speak, and that’s going to focus on student success and financial health,” he said. “Those are two worthy goals for us over the next few years. The short-term plans of finishing that are going to become the long-term plans here pretty quickly.”
Silvert said that as an Ursuline college, Brescia holds an important role in the community, and he’s grateful to be at the helm.
“There is a deep responsibility to shepherd this school and further its mission of helping people love others more fully. I can’t imagine a better thing to get to do with your life,” he said. “Now more than ever, this world needs higher education that’s deeply rooted in love, respect, virtue, and public service. This mission is vital to our community, our state, and our nation.”
Susan Montalvo-Gesser, chair of the Board of Trustees, said Silvert’s leadership will help carry the university forward.
“The future of Catholic higher education, and in particular Ursuline education, hinges on the success of Brescia University,” she said. “That future is secured in the leadership provided by our new president, Madison Silvert. I am so thankful and excited to see Mr. Silvert lead Brescia into her new century.”
Silvert’s inauguration ceremony was held at Saint Stephen Cathedral, following a morning Mass in the Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption. The day concluded with a family picnic on the Brescia University Quad featuring food, games, music, and burgoo provided by the St. Pius X Cooking Team.
Silvert was named president in December 2024 and officially began his tenure on March 31, 2025. His career includes serving as president of BryantCorp, president and CEO of the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation, and teaching as adjunct faculty at local colleges. He is also licensed to practice law.
Brescia’s roots trace back to 1925, when the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph established the Mount Saint Joseph Junior College for Women. Between 1925 and 1950, growth in coeducational extension courses in Owensboro led to the creation of a second campus. After 1949, the two campuses were consolidated into the present site of Brescia University. In 1950, Brescia began operating as a four-year college. Today, Brescia offers undergraduate and graduate programs.
