Louis Chenette, Ph.D., taught high school in Antioch, Illinois from 1953-1958 and at Bemidji State College in Minnesota from 1958-1959 before coming to Findlay in February 1960, as an instructor in the music department. He launched the first large-scale instrumental program since World War II, put together a band in time for a spring concert in 1960 and prepared a new marching band for the first football game in the fall. For several years he worked with Professor John Van Nice, Ph.D. and the other music department members in improving the curriculum and preparing a major leading to teacher certification.
In 1967, Chenette was named assistant dean of the College and in 1969, assistant to the president. He also served as director of planning and research and assisted in the preparations for accreditation and federal grant programs. He was particularly involved in the planning and construction of Egner Fine Arts Center and Shafer Library, establishing the campus radio station and the committee that brought the first computer to campus. He acted as president of Findlay College after President Frick took a position at Elmhurst College in November 1971. In the community, Chenette was president of the public library trustees, president of the Civic Music Association, director of the choir at the College First Church of God and a member of Kiwanis.
Chenette and his wife, Emmy Lou, resided at 1102 N. Cory Street with their five children. After Glen Rasmussen assumed the presidency on March I, 1972, Chenette returned to the position of assistant to the president. In September 1972, he became dean of the Jordan College of Fine Arts of Butler University in Indiana.