Kevin D. Rome Sr. (born May 29, 1966) is an American university administrator. He served as the 16th president of Fisk University, a historically black university in Nashville, Tennessee.[1] He was previously the president of Lincoln University from 2013 to 2017.
Rome was the president of Lincoln University from 2013 to 2017.[3] During his tenure, he focused on rebranding the school and recruiting students from all over Missouri, especially "better-prepared students."[5] In November 2016, he urged students to focus on building careers and pursuing leadership positions instead of protesting.[4]
Rome succeeded Frank L. Sims as the 16th president of Fisk University in June 2017.[3][6] Rome departed Fisk in August 2020, following the filing of a restraining order alleging that he had threatened a man that he had an intimate relationship with.[1] The man also alleged that Rome drugged him.[7] Rome and his attorney stated the allegations were false and no official charges were filed against Rome at the time of his removal. [8][9]
Personal life
Rome is a lifetime member of Phi Beta Sigma. Rome and his wife, Stefanie Baker Rome, have twins; son, Kevin and daughter Kendel.[5] He met his wife in 2000 on a blind date in Los Angeles, where he traveled to be a contestant on Wheel of Fortune and won $5,000.[2]