Merrick Marino

Merrick Marino is the Director of Academic Advising at the University of San Diego's Knauss School of Business. Merrick is a dedicated higher education professional with over 25 years of experience focused on advancing student success, academic equity, and institutional effectiveness. His passion for higher education and helping people achieve their goals started shortly after graduating from the University of Southern California (USC) as a first generation student when he wrote and published a book on how to succeed in college from a student's point of view "College Undercover: What Every Student Needs to Know" (1993).

Since 1997, he has served in multiple leadership roles at the University of San Diego (USD), including Director of Student Learning Initiatives, Assistant Dean/Director Center for Student Success, and currently as Director of Academic Advising in the Knauss School of Business. In addition Merrick teaches, or has taught, undergraduate courses at USD including BUSN 101 Creating and Growing Sustainable Ventures, and previously PSYC 494 Current Perspectives in Peer Counseling and MFTS 365 Current Perspectives in Peer Assistance at USD and COUN 110 College Success Skills at Palomar College. At USD, Merrick has led the development and implementation of university-wide retention strategies, equity-driven advising models, and targeted support programs for first-generation, transfer, and underrepresented students. His efforts have contributed to significant gains in retention and graduation rates, and fostered a more inclusive and student-centered academic culture. A strategic thinker and collaborative leader, Merrick is committed to ensuring every student has the support and opportunity to thrive in higher education and beyond. Beyond his professional work in higher education, Merrick is also a passionate recording artist and drummer for the San Diego-based band Dive Bar Saints, whose albums Castaways and Seven Seas were each nominated for Best Album at the San Diego Music Awards. His commitment to creativity mirrors his commitment to students: focused, collaborative, and grounded in authentic storytelling. A lifelong athlete, Merrick remains active in competitive soccer and softball leagues, channeling the same energy and discipline from the field into his work and art. He brings a unique blend of leadership, artistry, and resilience to every endeavor—whether on campus, on stage, or on the field.

Merrick is a San Diego native (rare third generation San Diegan!), with family roots on both sides coming to the United States and San Diego in the late 1800s and early 1900s from Italy (father's side) and Spain (mother's side), and a huge hometown sports fan - go Padres, San Diego FC, and San Diego Wave!!