Maria Gallo

Maria Gallo 

President 

Delaware Valley University 

Gallo became the first female president of Delaware Valley University in 2016 and announced in March that she will be leaving at the end of the spring semester “to pursue other opportunities and fulfill different dreams.” 

“I am the public face of the university. I articulate the vision of the institution and advocate on its behalf with all stakeholders to build support so we can fulfill our mission. I also serve as the CEO providing oversight of the quality of academic and support programs, as well as advancement, enrollment management, budget and finance, marketing and communications, human resources, and campus life and inclusive excellence.” 

Gallo is proud to be a Fulbright Scholar and a Fellow of the Crop Science Society of America. “Recognition by peers of the quality of your contributions to your chosen field is a high honor,” she said. 

“The most important life lesson has been to be your authentic, true self. This means to model strength through vulnerability and compassion. … It is to demonstrate that to look, think, feel, decide and act differently is not only acceptable, but preferable.”  

“I enjoy hiking, biking and gardening. The fresh air, sights and sounds bring me comfort, restore my mood, energize me and make me joyful. It is even more fun to do these activities with family and friends. Playing with my golden retriever, Ruby, is an absolute delight.” 

This profile is part of Lehigh Valley Business' Higher Education Power 30 list for 2021. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. See the full list at lvb.com or in our digital edition.