CLEVELAND (April 16, 2021) – Paul J. Dolan, owner, chairman and CEO of Major League Baseball’s Cleveland Indians, has been appointed to the Cleveland State University Board of Trustees by Governor Mike DeWine. His nine-year term begins June 1. 

“Paul Dolan is an outstanding leader with an unparalleled commitment to Greater Cleveland,” said David Gunning, chair of the CSU Board of Trustees. “This is a pivotal time for the university, and I can’t think of a stronger addition to the board as we begin implementing our bold, growth-oriented plan for the future.”  

Under Dolan’s leadership the Indians won five American League Central Division Championships (2001, 2007, 2016, 2017, 2018) and became American League Champions in 2016. He joined the team as vice president and general counsel in 2000. Four years later he became team president and since 2011 has served as chairman and CEO. The Dolan family’s ownership of the team entered its 22nd season in 2021.

“Paul Dolan has been an outstanding partner for Cleveland State, our city and our region,” said CSU President Harlan Sands. “I’m looking forward to being able to draw upon his expertise, experience and passion for our community.”  

Dolan is involved in various business interests throughout Northeast Ohio and is engaged with many philanthropic and civic boards in the community. He is currently chairman of United Way of Greater Cleveland and serves as a board member for The Cleveland Clinic, Greater Cleveland Partnership, Playhouse Square Foundation, Unify Labs and Evergreen Cooperatives. He has been the co-chairman for VeloSano Bike to Cure in each of the event's first six years (2014-19) and also races as an Indians team member. The Greater Cleveland Sports Commission honored the Dolan family with the 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award, which is annually presented to an individual or group that has demonstrated extraordinary dedication to the advancement of sport in Cleveland.

“Cleveland State University is a vital, integral part of our community – helping to drive growth, develop our workforce and prepare tomorrow’s leaders,” Dolan said. “I’m excited to join the board and thank Governor DeWine for this opportunity.”

Dolan was born and raised in Chardon, Ohio. A graduate of Gilmour Academy in Gates Mills, he received his Bachelor of Arts from St. Lawrence University and then earned his law degree from the University of Notre Dame. Prior to joining the Indians, he was a partner at Thrasher, Dinsmore & Dolan, a Chardon-based law firm.

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About Cleveland State University
Founded in 1964, Cleveland State University is a public research institution that provides a dynamic setting for Engaged Learning. With nearly 16,000 students, ten colleges and schools and more than 175 academic programs, CSU was again chosen for 2021 as one of America’s best universities by U.S. News & World Report, including the #1 public university in Ohio for social mobility. Find more information at www.csuohio.edu.