Dr. Katherine Fell Named as New President for the University of Findlay

SHREVEPORT, La. (Centenary News Service) — The Board of Trustees of the University of Findlay in Findlay, Ohio, announced today that Dr. Katherine Fell has been selected to become the 17th president of the university.

Dr. Katherine Fell

Currently the vice president for advancement at Centenary College of Louisiana, Dr. Fell will assume her new duties July 1 and will succeed Dr. DeBow Freed who will retire at the end of the 2009-2010 academic year.

Dr. Fell is departing Centenary after serving the College for 24 years, first as an associate professor of English beginning in 1986 and then as its chief development officer, a position she has held since 2000.

"I am convinced that Dr. Fell's energy, leadership skills, and demonstrated expertise as both a professor and an administrator will enable the University of Findlay to advance its academic programs to a higher level of excellence and achievement," said David Rowe, president of Centenary College. "Kathy has deep roots here at the College and in the community and will be missed. We wish her and Roger all the best as they embark on a new chapter in their lives."

Dr. Fell received her Ph.D. in English from Texas A&M University, her master's degree in English from Louisiana Tech University, and her bachelor's degree from Southern Arkansas University. An accomplished teacher and academic administrator, Dr. Fell has served with distinction while at Centenary College. During her 14 years as a professor in the English department, she developed the interdisciplinary major in communication, which grew to one of the strongest majors at the College; taught a variety of introductory and upper-level English courses; published scholarly articles and presented at conferences; and participated in projects on educational transformation including the Pew Higher Education Roundtable.

As director of development and, later, vice president for advancement, Dr. Fell has successfully led the fundraising efforts of the institution. She assisted in a successful comprehensive campaign that exceeded its goal in 2003 and is leading a current campaign on target to reach its goal. Her unique perspective as professor, administrator, and parent informed her contributions to Centenary's Strategic Planning Committee on which she served as an administrative leader. Dr. Fell has also continued working with students, most recently as a mentor in the Christian Leadership Center.

"It is a tremendous privilege to be invited to serve as the next president of the University of Findlay," said Dr. Fell. "The University has a very distinguished history, and I am honored to have this opportunity."

"Centenary will always be dear to me and my family. I am confident that I leave this wonderful college in good hands."

The University of Findlay is located in northwest Ohio with an enrollment of approximately 4,100 students, including 2,800 undergraduate and 1,300 graduate students. The institution changed its name from Findlay College to The University of Findlay in 1989 to reflect the dynamic growth in enrollment and the diversity of academic offerings available, including the addition of graduate programs.

About Centenary College of Louisiana

Centenary College is a private, four-year arts and sciences college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Founded in 1825, it is the oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Centenary is one of 16 colleges and universities constituting the Associated Colleges of the South and is regularly rated as one of the top colleges in the South. In 2008 Centenary College celebrated 100 years in the Shreveport and Bossier City communities.