John Cabot University President Antonia Maioni was recently interviewed by Wanted in Rome, an online magazine for the English-speaking community in the Eternal City. She reflects on her first weeks leading the University, the enduring value of a liberal arts education, and her vision for JCU's future.
President Maioni, who began her tenure on July 1, 2026, has emphasized continuity with the strong legacy of more than two decades of leadership by former President Franco Pavoncello, while looking ahead to new opportunities for growth and innovation.
In the interview, she discusses how John Cabot University's distinctive identity as an American liberal arts university in the heart of Rome offers students an education that combines academic excellence with an international perspective and transformative experiential learning.
According to President Maioni, in an era shaped by artificial intelligence, a liberal arts education is more important than ever because it provides foundational skills and knowledge: how to debate, how to challenge ideas, how to communicate effectively. She also highlights the importance of mentorship, collaborative leadership, and creating an environment in which every member of the JCU community can thrive.
Reflecting on Rome's unique role in the University's mission, President Maioni notes that the city itself serves as an extension of the classroom, offering students unparalleled opportunities to engage with history, culture, politics, business, and the arts while developing the adaptability and global perspective that define a liberal arts education.
Looking ahead, she identifies three priorities for her first year: supporting student success, ensuring that academic programs continue to respond to the needs of a rapidly changing world, and increasing John Cabot University's visibility internationally. As she explains, JCU is "a hidden jewel in Rome" whose academic excellence and global community deserve broader recognition.
The interview also explores President Maioni's academic background, her leadership experience, and her perspective on the evolving role of universities in fostering dialogue, innovation, and international understanding.
Read the complete interview in Wanted in Rome, "A Conversation with Antonia Maioni, John Cabot University's New President," and learn more about the new President's vision for the future of JCU.
