Joseph M. Marchello was recruited from the University of Missouri in Rolla, where he served as Chancellor from 1978-1985.

During his tenure at Old Dominion, Dr. Marchello made great strides toward expansion of the University. He developed the University's Higher Education Centers in Virginia Beach and on the Peninsula.

He also set in motion the creation of the Fine Arts Center and the expansion of Webb Center and the Child Study Center.

After his resignation from the presidency, he returned to teaching and research in Civil and Environmental Engineering. Dr. Marchello died in August 1999 at the age of 65.