Kathleen Dougherty
Marietta – Marietta College has announced the appointment of a new Dean and Dean of the College.
Kathleen Dougherty will start July 1 at Marietta College. Daugherty succeeds Charles Steinmetz, who since August has served as temporary dean.
As the college’s second-ranking official, Dougherty will lead the Office of Academic Affairs, which includes more than 100 faculty members and dozens of staff and serves more than 1,200 undergraduate and graduate students.
She has a BA from St. Olaf College and a MA and PhD from the University of Oklahoma. Her scholarly interests center in moral theory, specifically virtue ethics and the development of the moral self.
“I am honored to join the leadership team at Marietta College and grateful that my career has led me to such a remarkable institution with such a rich and compelling history,” She said.
Bill Rudd, president of Marietta College, said Dougherty will provide strong leadership in academic affairs, have an inherent appreciation for shared governance and possess a vision for effective, mission-focused change.
“Dr. Dougherty is an inspired choice to fill the position of Chief Academic Officer at Marietta, and I know the faculty, staff, and students will benefit from her guidance and knowledge,” Rod said. “Throughout the careful research process, Kathleen has proven to be well philosophically attuned to the direction in which Marietta College is moving. More importantly, her wide-ranging and successful alma mater experience has prepared her well for this opportunity at Marietta.”
Over the course of his 25 years in the business, Dougherty has been a faculty member, scholar, fundraiser, dean, and senior administrator. She was the Dean and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Alma College (Michigan) from 2018-22, and was on sabbatical last year.
Alma saw great academic innovation under Dougherty’s leadership. She led the development of new academic programs, including the undergraduate engineering program and the introduction of the college’s first graduate programs.
“We are delighted that Daugherty is joining the Marietta College family, and thrilled to see how she positively impacts the continuing academic excellence and innovation that has defined Marietta’s education for nearly 200 years.” said Matt Weakley, Class of 1981, chair of the board of trustees. Her passion and experience as a responsible scholar aligns perfectly with the college’s priorities. We look forward to her leadership as we pursue the bold aspirations of our institution and the students we serve.”
Dougherty grew up in Ashland, Ohio, where her parents still reside. Her daughter, Emma, is attending Stanford Law School. Dougherty will soon move in with Marietta, along with her cat, Betsy.
“Having grown up in central Ohio, it is truly a joy to be able to return to the area that I call home and to serve an institution that I have always held in high esteem,” She said.