Michael A. Grandillo, Ph.D., who led Livonia Felician-sponsored university since 2015, stepping down to deal with health challenges
LIVONIA — Madonna University president Michael A. Grandillo, Ph.D., announced his retirement effective immediately Feb. 21, citing relatively minor health issues as a reason for his departure.
Grandillo was appointed as the seventh president, and the first lay president, of the Felician-sponsored liberal arts college in Livonia in February 2015.
Prior to his time at Madonna, Grandillo had more than 35 years of higher education experience, serving at St. Mary’s College of Maryland and a similar position at Bethel College in Indiana.
During his tenure, Grandillo oversaw the creation of 11 new athletic teams, the building of a 28,000-square-foot Welcome Center, renovation of the university's performing arts, athletic and academic centers, construction of new residence halls, and the establishment of 23 new academic programs, including a Doctor of Education in Leadership and Innovation, and an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
“Nancy and I are thankful to the Felician Sisters and the Board of Trustees for the opportunity to serve such a great university, with outstanding faculty and staff members,” Grandillo said in a news release. “We are in the high calling to change people’s lives through the power of education. I think we did that. I am particularly grateful that my life partner, Nancy, joined me on this journey. Her devotion to Madonna students was evident and appreciated.”
The Madonna University Board of Trustees has approved the appointment of Ian Day, chief operating officer at Madonna, as acting president, performing the day-to-day duties of the president.
Day joined Madonna in 2020 and has more than 30 years of experience in higher education. During his time at Madonna, Day has overseen the completion of the Welcome Center and other facility improvements and provided support and leadership to the enrollment management team to aid in recruiting and retaining students, among other achievements.
“I am honored to have been chosen to lead Madonna, a truly remarkable university, whose Felician mission and Franciscan values have earned it a reputation of distinction for a quality education and a commitment to serving others,” Day said. “As higher education institutions everywhere face enormous challenges, my leadership approach remains one of inclusivity and transparency with our exceptional students, faculty and staff.”
Before coming to Madonna, Day led the enrollment division at Jesuit-run Canisius College in Buffalo, N.Y. Before that, he worked for 10 years at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth as chief enrollment officer and director of athletics.
Day also worked at Tiffin University in Ohio, serving as vice president for campus services, director of athletics and director of admissions.
Day is a lifelong Catholic who grew up in Aldridge, England. He has a Bachelor’s in Education from Alderson Broaddus University and a Master’s of Science in Management from Purdue University.
“The Board of Trustees looks forward to continuing its relationship with Ian Day and his new role as acting president,” board chairman David J. Boyd said. “We are confident that he and his executive team will build on the university’s nearly 85 years of success.”
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