Kathleen Poorman Dougherty has been named the twenty-first president of Marietta College in Ohio. The college enrolls nearly 1,100 undergraduate students and under 100 graduate students, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Department of Education. Women make up 49 percent of the undergraduate student body.
Dr. Dougherty has led Marietta College on an interim basis since January. Before her selection as interim president, she was provost and dean of the faculty at the college. With over two decades of experience as both an administrator and faculty member, she previously served as provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at Alma College in Michigan and as dean of the School of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Education at Mount Mary University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She has also taught at Notre Dame of Maryland University, Bowie State University in Maryland, and George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
As a scholar, Dr. Dougherty focuses on moral theory, specifically virtue ethics and the development of the moral self. Her most recent work centers on the role of forgiveness and personal relationships in the moral life.
“When I first arrived at Marietta, I was deeply moved by the commitment our faculty and staff demonstrate for every student on our campus,” said Dr. Dougherty “They help to create an education that is truly grounded in human connection and a commitment to helping every student succeed. I’m excited to continue our work together to build a strong future for Marietta College and future generations of Pioneers. I’m grateful for the board’s partnership and their confidence in my ability to lead Marietta forward.”
A native of Ashland, Ohio, Dr. Dougherty holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, and a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Oklahoma.