Michael R. Lovell (March 20, 1967 – June 9, 2024) was an American engineer and academic administrator, last serving as President of Marquette University.[1] Lovell held the office from 2014 until his death in 2024. Lovell was the first President of Marquette University who was a layman and not a Catholic clergyman.[2]
Lovell published more than 100 articles in engineering journals, wrote a dozen book chapters, and co-authored a book, Tribology for Scientists and Engineers.[6] As a researcher, Lovell was a lead or co-lead investigator for nearly $30 million in externally funded research grants from foundations, businesses and government agencies including the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, the Department of Defense and the Department of Education. His research led to several technological breakthroughs, and he held seven patents and 14 provisional patents. In 2013, Lovell was formally inducted into the National Academy of Inventors.[7]
On July 6, 2014, it was announced that Lovell was named as President of Marquette University. Unlike previous Marquette University presidents, who were Catholic clergymen, Lovell was a lay president;[2] the university itself is governed by the Catholic church's Society of Jesus.[2] Lovell would be inaugurated on September 19, 2014.[8]
Death
On June 9, 2024, Lovell died of sarcoma while on a pilgrimage in Rome, Italy. He was 57.[9]
Awards
NSF CAREER Award, Design Manufacturing and Industrial Innovation, 1997
Outstanding International Publication on Bearings, FAG – Germany, 1997
SME Outstanding Young Manufacturing Engineer Award, 1999
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