Washington, D.C., April 28, 2023 – Dean of the College of Sciences, Dr. Karen Kettler, was selected to join the AGB Institute for Leadership & Governance in Higher Education Class of 2024 cohort recently. 

Now entering its fifth year, 27 participants from institutions around the country will begin their experience with an in-person symposium in Washington, D.C. in September.

According to the institute prepared press release announcing the participants, “the institute has shown incredible success since its inception, reflected in the demonstrated achievements of its fellows. To date, 18 of the past participants have become presidents or chancellors of higher education institutions, and many other participants have successfully progressed on the pathway to the presidency with commendations and new positions.”

Kettler is a science education specialist and a biologist. She joined WLU in 2004 as an adjunct and then became an academic lab instructing assistant supervisor. In 2008, she became a full-time faculty member as instructor in the biology department. From that appointment, she advanced through the professor ranks until she was appointed to the position of dean.

Kettler holds degrees in biology from the following:

• B.S. Biology – Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania – 1998
• M.S. Biology – California University of Pennsylvania – 2002
• Ed.D. Curriculum and Instruction (concentration: Science Education) – 2013

Kettler is looking forward to the opportunity to participate in the prestigious leadership training which comes at a critical moment in higher education.

“Those who are preparing to serve in leadership roles are faced with unprecedented challenges on a global scale,” said Nancy Zimpher, co-founder and director of the institute. “Our aim has always been to ensure these up-and-coming leaders are ready to immediately step into their roles and guide their universities with confidence.

The AGB Institute for Leadership & Governance is composed of two symposia, four online workshops, attendance at the AGB National Conference on Trusteeship and a shadowing experience with a sitting president. The institute features more than 30 higher education expert presenters including current and former presidents, trustees, search consultants and other sector professionals.

Recently released data from the American Council on Education’s 2023 American College President Study shows that the average tenure of college presidents continues to shorten. Now more than ever, universities need a larger pool of qualified leaders to meet the demands of the higher education sector. The presidency continues to transform as institutions emerge from a three-year pandemic, grapple with high-profile crises and strive to meet the needs of the changing student demographic.

The institute is providing solutions to these challenges by fortifying participants with mentorship and AGB Search Managing Principal and institute co-founder Rod McDavis is optimistic about the future of higher education presidents. “There is now an opportunity to create a different style of presidential leadership,” said McDavis.

To learn more about the institute, visit the institute website at www.leadandgovern.com. To view the entire list of members of the 2024 class of participants, please click here.