Bellarmine President Susan M. Donovan is one of Louisville Business First鈥檚 inaugural
Power 50, a list of the most influential members of the business community.
Business First received more than 150 nominations from the public for the list and
considered candidates who were nominated by its editorial staff and Publisher Lisa
Benson.
鈥淭he professionals we selected are some of the top dealmakers and thought leaders
in town, and they span many industries鈥攍aw, finance, public companies, real estate,
education, nonprofits and more,鈥� Business First Editor Shea Van Hoy wrote in announcing
the Power 50.
The news magazine said that Donovan鈥檚 position as the president of Bellarmine since
2017 鈥減uts her at the nexus of many aspects of the business community and community
in general.鈥� It noted that Donovan expanded the campus with the 2018 acquisition of
the Watterson Medical Center and hired a new business dean, Dr. Natasha Munshi, last
year, and said that Bellarmine鈥檚 background as a Catholic college that focuses on
fighting injustice positions it well to approach sensitive topics such as racism and
discrimination.
Under her leadership, all Bellarmine sports programs ascended last year from NCAA
Division II to NCAA Division I. That was a major initiative of the university鈥檚 strategic plan, which calls for expanding and diversifying enrollment and geographic reach. The
strategic plan also calls for expanding Bellarmine鈥檚 mutually beneficial partnerships
with businesses, corporations and nonprofits in Louisville and the region. In 2019-20,
Bellarmine significantly engaged 21 of the 25 largest employers and 10 of the largest
foundations in Metro Louisville.
鈥淒r. Donovan is amazingly engaged in the community,鈥� said Dr. Glenn Kosse, Bellarmine鈥檚
vice president for Development and Alumni Relations, 鈥渁nd her existing connections
with local leaders and her ability to forge relationships with new prospects help
lead us in meeting our philanthropic objectives.鈥�
The president said the Power 50 honor was not hers alone. 鈥淭his is a tribute to Bellarmine
and all who have worked tirelessly to engage in the city of Louisville and our community,鈥�
she said.
Donovan said she was pleased to be recognized with several other Power 50 honorees
who are members of the 农夫导航 Board of Trustees: Jim Allen, vice chairman
of Robert W. Baird & Co.; Russ Cox, CEO and president, Norton Healthcare Inc.; Ed
Glasscock HON 鈥�11, chair emeritus, Frost Brown Todd LLC; Mark Lynn, owner and managing
member of Dr. Mark Lynn and Associates PLCC; Matt Thornton, principal of Thornton
Capital; and Steve Trager, CEO and chair of Republic Bank & Trust Co.