Retiring UF President Katherine Fell Named President Emeritus

(From the University of Findlay)

In honor of her extraordinary leadership and her dedication to academic excellence and a transformative education for all students, retiring University of Findlay President Katherine Fell, Ph.D., has been named President Emeritus.

“President Fell has served with great distinction as president for 16 years, and her ethical leadership has provided strength and stability to the University,” said Chris Ostrander, chairman of the UF Board of Trustees, which conferred the honor upon her.

“During her tenure, undergraduate and graduate academic programs have been added, campus buildings and facilities beautified, and new research and service opportunities provided for students in the community and around the globe.”

Ostrander additionally noted that President Fell has grown the culture of philanthropy on campus, building genuine relationships with countless Findlay alumni and donors, and ensuring that the Together We Will comprehensive campaign would set a new record in generosity to benefit future generations of Oilers.

Fellow Board of Trustees member Kim Stumpp echoed those sentiments, adding, “the University of Findlay has prospered under her leadership as Dr. Fell has remained committed to maintaining the identity of the University, and upholding the values of its founders, the Churches of God General Conference and the City of Findlay.”

Furthermore, her interaction with students was a priority for her presidency, and she “has cultivated a student-centered campus environment, established the President’s Student Council and helped all students to feel a sense of belonging and to find their callings as they pursue their educational dreams,” Stumpp said.

During her tenure on campus, President Fell also has modeled the role of a servant-leader. Her community service has included the Findlay-Hancock County Alliance Board of Directors, a founding member of the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts board, chair of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Ohio, chair of the Presidents’ Council of the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC), and a Governor DeWine appointed member of the Ohio Humanities Council Board of Trustees.

The honorary title of President Emeritus – from the Latin e (“from”) and meritus (“deserve” or “earn”) – carries with it no specific duties or authority but shows respect for a distinguished career. At UF, only one other president has been named President Emeritus: DeBow Freed, Ph.D., who served from 2003 to 2010.

President Fell was honored with the new title during the graduate Commencement ceremony on May 2.