With a thirty-plus year career that has successfully encompassed higher education and the business world, Thomas Kruczek is a proven leader and mentor with extensive experience in management, strategic planning, finance, and marketing. Prior to starting at Columbus in July, 2019, he served as the President of Notre Dame College for five years.  He has also led South Florida based Lynn University’s College of Business & Management as Dean and served as the Executive Director for the Center for Entrepreneurship at both Syracuse University and Rollins College in Winter Park, FL.  

A strong fundraiser and networker, Kruczek has played a central role in the funding and establishment of numerous programs and facilities at four colleges that he has served, including a role in the $15 million College of Business building at Lynn and establishing the Caring Hearts Fund for students faced with financial emergencies at Notre Dame.

Before entering academia, Kruczek held positions in financial planning and marketing with the Walt Disney Company and owned and managed two businesses in the areas of international consulting and manufacturing.

Kruczek holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Notre Dame. A devout Catholic, he is passionate about the value of Catholic education and has a deep commitment to living a life of value to the greater community. Over the years, he has served on numerous professional boards and non-profit organizations and is currently a frequent guest speaker and instructor for the Institute for Veterans and Military Families where he assists disabled military veterans who want to start or grow their own companies.