About Us

About Dr. Ronald Champagne

Dr. Ronald Champagne, the new president of Merrimack College, brings considerable leadership experience to the campus having served as president of two prior institutions of higher learning. He served as president of Saint Xavier University in Chicago, IL for 12 years and, most recently, as interim president of Shimer College, also in Chicago.

Dr. Champagne is also an experienced fundraiser; he was senior vice president for development at the National Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Association, and vice president of development for Roosevelt University. In addition, he was vice president for academic administration and dean of the college at Salem College in West Virginia.

Dr. Champagne has been a professor of mathematics at several institutions, a professor of philosophy of science at Roosevelt University, and has been published in several journals. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Duquesne University, an M.A. and a Ph.D. from Fordham University, and an additional M.A. from the Catholic University of America.

Recent administrative experiences include:

  • Interim president, Shimer College (IL) 2007 - 08;
  • President Emeritus, Saint Xavier University (IL) 1994 - present;
  • Sr. Vice President for Development, National Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Association (IL) 2003 - 05;
  • Vice President for Development, National Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Association (IL) 2001 - 03;
  • Vice President for Development, Roosevelt University (IL) 1996 - 2001;
  • President, Saint Xavier University (IL) 1982 - 1994                    

Recent academic appointments include:

  • Professor of Philosophy of Science, Roosevelt University (IL), 1996 - 2001;
  • Professor of Mathematics, Saint Xavier University (IL), 1982 – 1994.

 Selection of publications:

  • A Brief Survey of Measurement in Science, in a collection of essays written under - Grant #GO0700854, U.S.O.E. Metric Education Program, 1978;
  • A Weak Partial Ordering of the Noetic Field of Heuristic Intentionality Structures, The Fifth International Congress of L2gic, Methodology and the Philosophy of Science, London, Ontario, Canada. Butts R. and Hintikka, J. eds., Boston: D. Reidel Publishing Company, 1977;
  • Reflections on the Meaning of Credit, The Congressional Record May, 1976

Selection of professional activities/community service:

  • Registry for College and University Presidents (1996-present);
  • Board of Directors, Teachers Academy for Mathematics and Science, Chicago (1990-2003);
  • Chicago Advisory Council, Saint Paul Federal Bank, Chairman (1996-2000);
  • The Lincoln Foundation for Business Excellence, Chairman of Education Committee (1996-98);
  • Illinois Senate Commission on Chicago Schools Turnaround (1993-94);
  • Board of Directors, Beverly Bank, Chicago (1988-96);
  • Board of Directors, Maria High School, Chicago (1988-98).

Selection of memberships:

  • The Executive Club of Chicago (1999-05);
  • The Carlton Club of Chicago (1992-present);
  • The Economic Club of Chicago (1984-05);
  • Philosophy of Science Association (1970-present);
  • Mathematical Association of America (1964-present).