Otterbein president stepping down in June
Otterbein University President Kathy A. Krendl announced Monday that she intends to retire next June from the top job at the liberal arts school in Westerville.
Krendl, 67, has served as Otterbein’s president since July 2009. The 170-year-old university, affiliated with the United Methodist Church, has 2,900 undergraduate and graduate students.
A search for her successor will be led this fall by University Trustee Cheryl Herbert. Krendl made her announcement now because she wanted to give the board of trustees time to perform an in-depth search for her successor, said Jenny Hill, a university spokeswoman.
“President Krendl and her leadership team have made significant contributions to improve the campus, the experiences of its students, faculty, staff and alumni as well forming strong networks in central Ohio and beyond,” board Chairman Mark Thresher said.
Krendl became the first woman president in school history when she succeeded C. Brent DeVore, who had been president for 25 years. She previously had been Ohio University’s chief academic officer as provost and executive vice president.
During her tenure, the school launched its largest fundraising effort in history. The $50 million comprehensive campaign, which is still ongoing, is aimed at creating new scholarships and merit opportunities to maintain affordable access to the school. The private school has not raised its annual tuition rate from $31,424 since 2013, Hill said.
This spring a new dual admission program with Columbus State Community College was announced. The program will eventually allow a student to reduce college costs by completing the first two years of their schooling at the community college and then transferring to Otterbein for the last two years.