James Danko

James M. Danko is an American entrepreneur and academic administrator serving as the 21st president of Butler University.

James M. Danko
21st President of Butler University
Incumbent
Assumed office August 1, 2011
Preceded by	Bobby Fong
Personal details
Born	Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
Spouse(s)	Bethanie Danko
Children	2
Education	John Carroll University (BA) University of Michigan (MBA)
Website	Butler University Office of the President

Early life and career

Danko grew up in Parma, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland. He started his first business, a medical and fitness equipment company, when he was 19, simultaneously earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in religious studies from John Carroll University. He ran his company for 17 years and it became the largest fitness equipment company in Ohio at the time. Danko sold his company in 1990 and earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan.[1]

Career

He went on to serve in business school leadership roles at institutions including the University of Michigan, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Tuck School of Business, and Villanova School of Business.[2] He was appointed dean of the Villanova School of Business in 2005. During his tenure there, VSB moved from an unranked, regional college to a nationally-ranked American business school.[1]

Butler University

Danko became the president of Butler University in November 2011.[3] During his tenure, the university has reported a significant increase in the number of applicants and financial support, and has received several high regional and national rankings.[2][4] In interviews, Danko has talked of plans to expand the university's reputation and student population, and in 2013, he moved to enter Butler in the Big East Conference.[3][4] Danko also became Vice-Chair of the Big East Board of Directors, and currently represents them on the NCAA Division I Presidential Forum.[5]

Personal life

Danko and his wife Bethanie currently reside on Butler University campus.

References

1. Valerian, Sue (3 March 2013). "Pillars of Leadership". John Carroll University. John Carroll University Magazine. Retrieved 10 August 2017.
2. "President Danko's Biography". Butler University. Butler University. Retrieved 10 August 2017.
3. Kirschner, Kris (12 November 2011). "Danko inaugurated as new Butler president". WTHR Channel 13. WTHR Channel 13. Retrieved 10 August 2017.
4. Johnson, Jenna (20 March 2013). "Tiny Butler's NCAA tournament success provided a bounce beyond basketball". The Washington Post. The Washington Post. Retrieved 10 August 2017.
5. "Butler President Danko Named To NCAA Presidential Forum". Big East Conference. Big East Conference. 8 September 2016. Retrieved 10 August 2017.