Norwich University Presidential Inauguration set for April 24

LtGen John Broadmeadow ’83, USMC (Ret), 25th president of Norwich University, will be inaugurated on April 24. He began his tenure as University president on May 1, 2024, after transitioning from his role on the Board of Trustees.

Since returning to his alma mater as president, LtGen Broadmeadow has noted that in addition to the usual presidential responsibilities like finances and enrollment, connecting himself with the Norwich community has been paramount. “Bringing alumni closer to the University is one of my primary goals right now,” he said. “While we want to expand the community, it is important to me that we bring our existing community closer and strengthen the bonds we already have.”

Many of those bonds are formed through the storied Norwich University Corps of Cadets. “My number one recruiting priority is the Corps of Cadets,” said LtGen Broadmeadow. “I want to grow the Corps so that we get to a two-thirds, one-third mix of students on campus.”

Though growing the Corps is the top priority, ensuring that a complete Norwich experience is fulfilled for civilian students is crucial for his vision of the University. “It’s on my mind an awful lot,” he said. “They live a very different lifestyle here, but they share the same values and determination to be productive citizens in our free republic. Their belief in our mission does not go unnoticed and they make up a vital part of our community, both on campus and abroad as alumni.”

Norwich University has a long history of students who have firmly entrenched themselves in the long-standing Guiding Values and University mission. Since returning to campus, LtGen Broadmeadow has noticed a unique quality in Norwich people today that highlights their ability to be rooted in tradition and history all while pushing the limits of today’s expanding world. “The real impression I have walking around the school now is that we are not looking back and reflecting, but looking forward,” said LtGen Broadmeadow. “Norwich University is well-poised to move forward.”

While the University is poised to move forward, LtGen Broadmeadow has a unique historical tie to the presidency as a 1983 graduate. University President and retired U.S Army MG W. Russell Todd helmed the University when LtGen Broadmeadow graduated and commissioned, and his inauguration on April 24 will mark the first time an alum has led the school as president since Maj Gen Todd left the post in 1992, more than 30 years ago.