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MC rings in 2025 with Interim President Dr. Kathleen Poorman Dougherty

by Gi Smith

Marietta, OH (01/02/2025) — As the Marietta College community celebrates the start of the new year, it also ushers in a new chapter in its leadership. Dr. Kathleen Poorman Dougherty begins an 18-month term as Marietta's Interim President on January 1, 2025, following a distinguished tenure as the College's Provost and Dean of the Faculty. Dr. Dougherty brings to her new role over 25 years of experience in higher education, including her work as an administrator, faculty member and scholar.

Since her arrival in June 2023, Dr. Dougherty has quickly become an integral part of the Marietta community. As the second-highest ranking officer, she oversaw the Office of Academic Affairs, leading more than 100 full-time faculty and staff while supporting over 1,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

The transition comes at an exciting time for MC, as the campus community begins implementation of a new strategic plan as well as the MariettaNOW fundraising component - both of which Dr. Dougherty has helped to develop and support. The new plan prioritizes academic innovation and student success, areas in which she brings considerable expertise.

Dr. Dougherty previously served as Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Alma College in Michigan, where her leadership was marked by significant academic innovation. Under her leadership, Alma engaged in a major revision to the general education curriculum which was recognized as distinctive by the Fiske Guide; the new curriculum fostered an inter-disciplinary approach, centering vocational exploration and experiential learning. In addition, she led the growth and implementation of the College's first graduate programs. This transformative work has earned Dr. Dougherty recognition for her ability to navigate the complexities of modern higher education while remaining deeply committed to student-centered outcomes.

Prior to her service at Alma College, Dr. Dougherty held leadership and faculty positions at Mount Mary University in Milwaukee, Notre Dame of Maryland University, Bowie State University and George Washington University.

As a native of Ashland, Ohio, and a graduate of a rural liberal arts college, Dr. Dougherty has a special commitment to rural communities and the ways in which small liberal arts colleges and their communities can thrive together. While at Alma, she was integral to the development of the Center for College and Community Engagement (CCCE), which both enhanced opportunities for student experiential learning and reinvigorated Alma's relationship with its local community. She is excited to further these commitments through opportunities for college and community partnerships in Marietta and the surrounding region.

A tenured Professor of Philosophy, Dr. Dougherty's scholarly interests are in moral theory, specifically virtue ethics and the development of the moral self. Throughout her career, she regularly taught courses in theoretical and applied ethics, the history of philosophy, business ethics, management and leadership ethics, and philosophy of education.

As part of the leadership transition, Marietta has also announced key appointments within the Office of Academic Affairs. Dr. Suzanne Walker will serve as Interim Provost, bringing a wealth of experience to the role. Additionally, Professors John Tynan and Linda Lockhart will serve as Interim Assistant Provosts, supporting academic initiatives and ensuring continuity in academic operations. Together, this leadership team will work to strengthen the College's commitment to academic excellence and student success during this transitional period.

Dr. Dougherty is honored that the Board has entrusted her to lead Marietta as it begins the crucial work of implementing a new strategic plan. Initially drawn to Marietta by its dedicated faculty, staff, students, and alumni, she is grateful for the opportunity to work with them daily to strengthen Marietta and ensure that it continues to thrive for future generations of Pioneers.

Located in Marietta, Ohio, at the confluence of the Muskingum and Ohio rivers, Marietta College is a four-year liberal arts college. Tracing its roots to the Muskingum Academy back in 1797, the College was officially chartered in 1835. Today Marietta College serves a body of 1,200 full-time students. The College offers more than 50 majors and is consistently ranked as one of the top regional comprehensive colleges by U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review, as well as one of the nation's best by Forbes.com. Marietta was selected seventh in the nation according to the Brookings Institution's rankings of colleges by their highest value added, regardless of major.

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Dr. Kathleen Poorman Dougherty began her tenure as Interim President at Marietta College on January 1, 2025.

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