On July 1, 2017, Dr. Kevin D. Rome, Sr. became the
16th President of Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee. Prior to beginning the presidency at Fisk, Rome served as the 19th President of Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri from June 2013 to June 2017.

Dr. Kevin Rome has already had a tremendous impact at Fisk University. In his first year, the university not only doubled its incoming first year class, but also increased overall fundraising totals by 13 percent including a 3 percent increase in alumni giving participation. Moreover, in spring 2018, Dr. Rome and his wife made a pledge to Fisk for $50,000.

While president at Lincoln University, the university witnessed a 50 percent increase in freshman enrollment in addition to the creation of new institutional programs and academic initiatives. Rome is credited with the increase in funding from state appropriations for land-grant status, increasing the state match from $500,000 to $2.5 million in 2017 as a result of continued
advocacy. He also worked collaboratively with Jefferson City Parks and Recreation to erect a $13 million, 80,000 square foot wellness and multipurpose center on campus. On a personal note, the Dr. Kevin and Stefanie Rome Endowed Scholarship Fund was established at Lincoln University to assist deserving students in need.
With over 25 years in higher education, Rome has served in various capacities of university administration. He has served as Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at North Carolina Central University, Vice President for Student Services at Morehouse College, Vice President for Campus Life at Clayton State University, and Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Life and Diversity at Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis.

Rome’s career began at Georgia Southwestern College in Americus, Georgia as a Residence Hall Supervisor. From 1989 to 1991, he served as a Residence Director, Greek Advisor, and Financial Aid Counselor at the University of Georgia. In 1991, he joined the staff of California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California as the Coordinator of Student Development. During his time at California Polytechnic State University, he received two promotions, serving as Academic Development Specialist and later as Education and Training Specialist. Additionally, Rome has served as Assistant Dean of Students in the area of New Student Services at the University of Texas at Austin. He was promoted to Assistant Dean of Students in the area of Campus and Community Involvement.