28-04-2025
Norwich University celebrates new president's inauguration: What is significant about him
Lt. Gen. John J. Broadmeadow, a 1983 Norwich University graduate, was inaugurated as the university's 25th president on April 24, according to a community announcement.
Broadmeadow is the first Marine to hold the position and the first Norwich alumnus to lead the school in more than 30 years.
The inauguration was attended by the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, alumni, students, and local and state political leaders, as well as distinguished members of higher education throughout New England.
Broadmeadow and his wife Karen, also a 1983 Norwich graduate, welcomed a large contingent of fellow Class of 1983 alumni.
A letter written by their son, Maj. Broadmeadow, was read by the lieutenant general's brother, Paul. The letter shared the couple's commitment to the U.S. Marine Corps, the nation, and Norwich University. It highlighted major milestones in Broadmeadow's career, including multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, and recounted how the couple met while undergraduates at Norwich.
Alan DeForest, chairman of the Board of Trustees, expressed confidence in Broadmeadow's leadership.
'John Broadmeadow is the right person at the right time for Norwich," DeForest said. "His exceptional combination of personal connection to Norwich, his work as a Board of Trustees member, and a lifetime of continued service to the University uniquely position him to step into the leadership role as the 25th president of Norwich University.'
DeForest led the investiture portion of the ceremony and will conclude his tenure as chairman of the Board of Trustees following this weekend's Board meeting.
Before becoming president, Broadmeadow had a 36-year career in the United States Marine Corps, holding various command and staff positions. He served in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom. His leadership roles included commanding the 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade and serving as Deputy Commander of the United States Transportation Command.
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'Ever since arriving in the fall of 1979, Norwich, its ideals, and its people have been central to my personal and professional life," Broadmeadow said. "It is a special opportunity to use my background and skills to pay back all that Norwich has given me.'
After his promotion to lieutenant general, Broadmeadow became the highest-ranking Marine officer to graduate from Norwich.
As an alumnus, Broadmeadow's appointment reflects Norwich University's commitment to leadership and service, embodying the institution's values and traditions. His extensive experience in military operations and logistics positions him well to guide Norwich University in its mission to develop leaders for the nation and world.
This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, bmcdermott1@ with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at or share your thoughts at with our News Automation and AI team.
This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Lt. Gen. John J. Broadmeadow inaugurated president of Norwich University
