Stevenson University President Speaks at Pikesville Chamber Breakfast

Dr. Kevin Manning, President of Stevenson University, was the featured speaker this morning at the Pikesville Chamber of Commerce's quarterly breakfast held at the Suburban Club.

Among those in attendance were Baltimore County Council Chairwoman Vicki Almond from the 2nd Councilmanic District; Richard Oppitz, Northwest Savings Bank; Barry Willen, National Financial Legacy Group; Nick Mangione, Doubletree Hotel; Judy Pressman, J.P. Images; Austin Bowers, Simply Elegant Catering and Charles Levine of Charles Levine Catering.

The meeting was organized by Jessica Normington, executive director of the chamber, and Executive Assistant Ayme Lederman. It was a program committee decision to invite Dr. Manning to be guest speaker. 

His talk was about creating and growing a university, but his concepts could be applied to any business. This is his 13th year at Stevenson but he has more than 40 years of experience in the field of higher education.

Basically he said that almost anyone can grow a business as long as you don't mind no sleep and living on a highwire. When he arrived at the university, a decision was made to grow. Toward that end, today the university has more than 4,000 students, including full- and part-time. The operating budget this year will be about $135 million.

The current payroll is about $32 million, taxes paid are over $1 million and the capital investment is over $21 million. Within the next 10 years another $50 million will be spent. In short, the university has experienced a full-throttle growth since Dr. Manning arrived.   

When asked about the property at Rosewood he mentioned they are looking to buy 250 acres on that site. Currently no one else can purchase it. There are big plans in developing Rosewood, which would include an ice skating rink. Yes, the school has a girls ice hockey team.

He also stated if a university doesn't have a football team, you don't have a university. The new stadium has attracted national attention. It is said to be the best stadium for a Division 3 school. It seats 3,500 and there isn't a bad seat anywhere.

After his presentation, a question-and-answer session followed. It is the opinion of this reporter, that Stevenson is lucky to have Dr. Manning at its head.