Defiance College Names
Mark C. Gordon as 18th President

Mark C. Gordon

Mark C. Gordon, dean of the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and a former faculty member at Columbia University, has been named president of Defiance College. He is the 18th president in the 159-year history of the College.

The announcement, which culminates a five-month national search process, was made today by Philip Mallott, chairman of the College’s Board of Trustees.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I’m pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Gordon as Defiance College’s 18th president,” said Mallott. “Mark is an innovative and dynamic individual who has had tremendous success leading the growth and development of the law school at Detroit Mercy. Throughout his career, he has clearly demonstrated his commitment to civic responsibility and service learning, qualities that are the foundation of our mission at Defiance College. 

“We’re very excited about the possibilities for the future of Defiance College under Mark’s leadership and look forward to welcoming him and his family to the Defiance community during the coming months.”

Gordon, who has led the substantial growth of the UDM Law School for the past six and a half years, will assume the Defiance presidency this summer.

Of his appointment to Defiance, Gordon said, “I am honored and delighted to have the opportunity to work with such a wonderful team of trustees, faculty, administrators, staff, students and alumni. My wife, Anne, and our two boys, Chris and Charlie, look forward to being members of the Defiance community.”

He added, “I am inspired by Defiance’s accomplishments already and even more excited by its potential.”

Under his leadership, the UDM Law School has developed and implemented nationally recognized exemplary public service programs, a unique international approach, and curricular innovations focused on success in getting jobs for its students. The school’s enrollment has nearly doubled during Gordon’s tenure as dean.

Gordon earned a Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School, a master’s degree in international affairs with a certificate from the Russian Institute from Columbia University School of International Affairs, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Columbia College at Columbia University.

For six years he was associate professor in the practice of public affairs in the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University. While at Columbia, he was director of the Urban Habitat Project that identified and analyzed innovative approaches to urbanization around the world and offered training for local officials in dealing with the challenges of urbanization.

Prior to arriving at Columbia, Gordon was general deputy assistant secretary for community planning and development in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

Gordon will succeed Dr. Gerald Wood who stepped down as Defiance president in 2008. Dr. Charles Warren is currently serving as interim president.

Defiance College, chartered in 1850, is an independent, liberal arts institution in Northwest Ohio offering more than 40 undergraduate majors as well as graduate programs in education and business. Defiance College has received national recognition for its educational experience of engagement. U. S. News & World Report ranks Defiance in the top tier of comprehensive colleges in the Midwest. The college website is www.defiance.edu.

February 13, 2009