The Brescia University Executive Committee recommended, and its Board of Trustees voted, to approve the selection of Madison Silvert, J.D., as its 6th President, in accordance with Brescia University bylaws and governance.
This comes after current Brescia President Fr. Larry Hostetter shared with the Board at its October meeting his wishes to complete rather than extend his contract, which currently runs through May 2025.
Silvert will begin his role prior to the end of the academic year and work in tandem with Hostetter until May 31. Hostetter also plans to participate in activities for the University’s entire Centennial year.
Silvert is currently serving as President of BryantCorp, where he manages and develops hospitality and commercial real estate holdings nationwide. Prior to this role, he was President of the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation, where he was instrumental in the revitalization of downtown Owensboro through key economic strategies. In addition, he has worked in the private practice of law in firms in both Owensboro and Louisville. Also during these years, Silvert taught as an adjunct professor at Brescia University, Kentucky Wesleyan College and Owensboro Community and Technical College.
Silvert earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Centre College and a juris doctorate from the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law and is recognized by the American Planning Association as a certified urban planner with the designation of AICP. He is a member of the industry advisory council for the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, and a member of the Hampton by Hilton Owner’s Advisory Council.
He has served on numerous boards over the years, including the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), where he served on the executive committee; the Kentucky Association for Economic Development, where he served as Chair; the Kentucky Commission on Community Volunteerism and Service; and the Kentucky Workforce Innovation Board. His service to the Commonwealth includes a 2021 appointment by Gov. Andy Beshear as chair of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education.
Locally, he is a member of the parish council for St. Pius X Catholic Church, past chair of the Brescia University Board of Trustees and Executive Committee, immediate past chair of the Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport, and a board member for the William and Marilyn Young Foundation.
Malcolm Bryant, BryantCorp’s co-founder and Chair of the Board, shared his support for Silvert. “During Madison’s time with BryantCorp, we have experienced exciting growth around the country that will last long beyond his leadership,” he said. “While we are saddened by his departure, we are also believers in Brescia and its ability to transform lives and Greater Owensboro. We are confident Madison will take Brescia to new heights, and we look forward to watching him share his magic in new ways.”
Rick Higdon, chair of the Presidential Selection Committee of the Board of Trustees, noted that the Board is very appreciative of Hostetter’s ongoing stewardship of the University. “Fr. Larry was more than willing to continue past the term of his initial plans for retirement in order to serve the University and its students,” he said. “However, the Board of Trustees was interested in vetting a potential candidate for the role of President while there was an opportunity to establish a strong, timely succession.”
Higdon said Brescia has seen unprecedented growth during Hostetter’s administration. “We are so thankful for his leadership,” he said. “He has put the University in a position to embark on a new Century of growth and success that will be led by Silvert and the outstanding Cabinet, faculty, and staff of this institution.”
Susan Montalvo-Gesser, J.D., chair of the Board of Trustees, said Brescia is appreciative to The Most Reverend Bishop William Medley for allowing Fr. Hostetter to serve the Diocese of Owensboro in this leadership role for 18 years.