Dr. Gervasi came to ODU from Quincy University in Quincy, Illinois, where he served as president. During his tenure, the university expanded its academic profile and community outreach, strengthened fundraising, increased enrollment, and enhanced campus life.

Before joining Quincy, Dr. Gervasi was president and CEO of the Institute for Study Abroad in Indianapolis, Indiana. There he served more than 3,000 American students annually at 80 universities worldwide. Prior to that, he served as dean of Kentucky Campuses and dean of external programs for McKendree University at its Louisville campus. In these positions, he had responsibility for all executive functions such as strategic planning, faculty development, marketing, fundraising and recruitment.

Dr. Gervasi has taught at the University of Louisville, McKendree University, Chatfield College in St. Martin, Ohio, Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, Xavier University in Cincinnati, the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, and The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. He also lectured as Senior Fulbright Scholar in Classics at the University of Zimbabwe. In addition to his work in higher education, Dr. Gervasi has worked in public relations, marketing, and publishing for companies such as Bristol-Myers and Procter and Gamble.

Dr. Gervasi received his A.B. in Classics (summa cum laude) from Xavier University, an MBA in Marketing from the Wharton School, and his M.A. and Ph.D. in Classics from The Ohio State University. He also studied at the American School of Classical Studies in Athens, Greece, as well as Corpus Christi College at Cambridge University, and he received a certificate in fundraising management from The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University.

Dr. Gervasi previously served on the executive committee of the Council of Independent Colleges, the Council of Presidents of the Great Lakes Valley Conference (NCAA Division II), the board of directors of the Great River Economic Development Foundation and the executive committee of the Associated Colleges of Illinois. He can read or speak Spanish, Italian, Greek (ancient and modern), Latin, French and German. Dr. Gervasi is an avid runner and has completed 14 marathons.