by Evan Rowland, thePulse Staff writer
thePulse - March 18, 2010

Katherine Fell, the second presidential finalist to visit campus, left an impression in the mind of those who heard her speak. 

And that impression is that she seems to have a common touch. 

Fell, pictured lower left,  an-swered questions from students and faculty Tuesday afternoon in the TLB auditorium in Wine-brenner Theological Seminary. She is the current vice president for advancement at Centenary College in Shreveport, Louisiana.    

“My unrevised mission statement is I hope to serve best wherever God places me,” said Fell. 

One word that Fell used often is “balance.” She says she is intent on balancing the internal and external responsibilities that come with the role of the presidency, acknowledging that in this day a president’s role is often focused externally work-ing with donors or influential members of the school’s constituency. 

Fell said she believes UFneeds a leader who can look outward but remain connected to the daily needs of the school. 

“I would keep a close eye on enrollment, retention and fundraising,” says Fell.   

Fell supports the connection between each of the colleges in the University as it is becom-ing more important for the job market and in helping a comprehensive school like Findlay remain focused in a challenging economic climate. 

“I believe the divide between the liberal arts, sciences and professional programs is becoming more artificial,” says Fell. 

Fell has served as a faculty member in the department of English at Centenary College since 1986 and as a chief development offi cer since 2000. In looking over Findlay’s fund-raising, she said she thinks the school is poised to make an advance in this area.

 

Fell spoke for a relatively short time before taking questions. She answered each ques-tion carefully and weighed out all the perspective in her responses, which left a lasting impression. 

“I think she has an open mind and seems to care about the students and the Findlay community,” said Jenna Binz, a second year graduate student. 

With The University of Findlay playing such a large role within the city of Findlay, Fell believes in working closely with city leaders because those leaders have something to offer to the school, she said. 

“We need to engage civil leaders to give us insight,” says Fell. “The University should be seen as a leading resource in the community.” 

Throughout her responses in the forum, Fell made her family-oriented beliefs very clear. This stuck out to some students in attendance. 

“The presidential candidate seemed like she had a good plan for the school if she is selected. I liked that she stressed family and getting the community involved with the school,” says Scott Filiater, a senior criminal justice major. 

With an economy that is currently struggling and with tuition rates going up, Fell told students the school should focus more on raising money to support scholarships. 

In addition, she believes it is the duty of all faculty members to get close to the students. She believes this makes all the difference with retaining students who contemplate leaving the University.

“Retention at a place like The University of Findlay comes from a personal touch,” says Fell. “I think (the faculty) and I can make it personal and suc-cessful.” 

Fell seemed to convince many that although she is from a liberal arts background, she is confi dent in her ability to over-see all of the University. 

“I think she is eager to make decisions best for the University as a whole,” says Skylar Mettert, a junior pre-vet major who is one of the student representatives on the presidential search committee.

Talk to Evan at rowlande@findlay.edu