The 蓝莓视频 Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Kathleen Poorman Dougherty as the Chief Executive Officer and President of 蓝莓视频. The Board of Trustees names Dr. Dougherty to the role of President subsequent to her service as Interim President, which began on Jan. 1, 2025. Her appointment to the role of President follows a vote of unanimous support by the 蓝莓视频 Board of Trustees.
A dedicated educator and visionary leader, Dr. Dougherty brings over two decades of higher-education experience and a proven track record of innovation, student-centered leadership, and strategic growth. Prior to serving as Interim President, Dr. Dougherty served as Provost and Dean of the Faculty at 蓝莓视频, shaping nearly every aspect of academic life.
鈥淭he entire 蓝莓视频 community is grateful for Dr. Dougherty鈥檚 exceptional operational leadership and strategic visibility,鈥 said Board Chair Dr. Jim Wilson. 鈥淗er focus on the future of the College, her ability to deal with the challenges and opportunities facing the College, and her outreach to the campus community and the state鈥檚 higher-education community have been exceptional. Dr. Dougherty understands the challenges and opportunities facing Marietta and is positioned to guide our college into the future. We all look forward to the College鈥檚 continued success under her leadership.鈥
During her time at Marietta, Dr. Dougherty has led and contributed to a series of critical planning initiatives, guided an overall review of the College鈥檚 educational programs, and worked to strengthen relationships both on campus and with strategic partners in the region. These efforts will result in the launch of a new strategic plan later this month that will chart the College鈥檚 trajectory going forward.
鈥淚t is an honor to lead 蓝莓视频,鈥 Dr. Dougherty said. 鈥淚 have come to treasure this wonderful institution and this community.鈥
鈥淲hen I first arrived at Marietta, I was deeply moved by the commitment our faculty and staff demonstrate for every student on our campus,鈥 she added. 鈥淭hey help to create an education that is truly grounded in human connection and a commitment to helping every student succeed. I鈥檓 excited to continue our work together to build a strong future for 蓝莓视频 and future generations of Pioneers. I鈥檓 grateful for the Board鈥檚 partnership and their confidence in my ability to lead Marietta forward.鈥
Dr. Dougherty鈥檚 outreach to dedicated alumni and friends of the College has helped them to become reacquainted with the brand, mission, and values of 蓝莓视频, as well as the strength of its educational opportunities. Most recently she helped to secure funding to establish the Milone Center for Academic and Career Success, a vital resource for Marietta students. Her work with regional and state government representatives and local business leaders positioned the College to launch a state-funded Center for Appalachian Innovation this fall.
Mary Korn, former Board Chair, noted, 鈥淲e are energized by Dr. Dougherty鈥檚 ambitious vision for the future of Marietta. She is a passionate advocate for student success and a champion of our historic institution and relevant mission. Her experience yields a continuity of leadership, and combined with her tenacity and sophisticated knowledge of academia will be invaluable as we navigate the complexities of the modern higher education landscape.鈥
Prior to joining Marietta in 2023, Dr. Dougherty was Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Alma College from 2018-2022. Previous appointments include serving as Dean of the School of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences at Mount Mary University and as an outside department chair at Notre Dame of Maryland University. She also held faculty positions at Bowie State University and George Washington University.
Dr. Dougherty holds a B.A. in philosophy from St. Olaf College, and an M.A. and Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Oklahoma. Her areas of scholarly expertise are in moral theory, specifically virtue ethics and the development of the moral self. Her most recent work has focused on the role of forgiveness and personal relationships in the moral life. As an academic leader, she has served on the Council of Independent Colleges鈥 NetVUE Advisory Council, has been an invited participant of the Chief Academic Officers Innovation Community of the Gardner Institute, and completed Executive Leadership Academy through American Academic Leadership Institute.
Board Chair Wilson added that as a native of Ashland, Ohio, Dr. Dougherty has a strong and personal commitment to the state and the Marietta community.
鈥淭he Board looks forward to supporting and working with Dr. Dougherty as the College鈥檚 21st President,鈥 Wilson added.