Manion begins as Marian University president

Andrew P. Manion started his new position as the 16th president of Marian University on Wednesday.

The Marian University Board of Trustees and a presidential search committee appointed Manion as president in late October. For the past few months, he has been transitioning into the job. He will succeed Robert A. Fale, who has served as interim president since June 2013.

"I'm glad to be here," Manion said. I'm grateful for the opportunity and I'm very excited about the future that we'll be planning for both the university and the community."

RELATED: New president at Marian University

Manion served at Aurora University in Aurora, Ill., for 17 years in various roles, including vice president for student life, provost, acting president and most recently as executive vice president. Prior to his time at Aurora, he served at St. Mary's University of Minnesota.

Although his move to Fond du Lac is still new, Manion has found Fond du Lac welcoming. He hopes to get acquainted with the community, as well as get to know those within and outside the university as soon as possible.

Manion holds a doctorate in experimental psychology and a master of arts in psychology, both from Adelphi University in New York. His bachelor of arts in psychology was earned at St. Norbert College.

He hopes that under his leadership, Marian University can continue to be a great resource for the community.

"I believe that a great community needs a great university and a great university needs a great community, so the relationship between Marian and the city of Fond du Lac in this area is very important to me," Manion said. "I think we've got a lot of potential to do great things."

RELATED: Marian University welcomes Manion as president

Reach Madeline Zukowski at 920-907-7968 or mzukowski@gannett.com; on Twitter: @madszuko