Campus Report

Report from the Board of Trustees

Office of Communications
October 28, 2019

The Kenyon College Board of Trustees convened in Gambier on October 23–25 for its fall meeting, chaired by Brackett B. Denniston ’69. In its opening session on Thursday, the Board met with the campus committee charged with revising the College’s mission statement and offered feedback on a preliminary draft. In its plenary session later that afternoon, the Board heard from Harvard Professor Howard Gardner and his colleague Dr. Wendy Fischman, who presented early findings from their study of the value of a liberal arts education; Kenyon was among 10 colleges and universities included in the study. 

Themes of mission, purpose and value served as the foundation for President Decatur’s report on Friday and were woven into other discussions of the Board, including the process and timeline for developing a strategic plan to succeed Kenyon 2020.

Other highlights included:

  • The Diversity and Student Affairs Committees held a joint meeting to consider the College’s initiatives to support mental and emotional health, the experience of low-income and other underrepresented students, and campus climate more broadly.

  • The Development and External Affairs Committee reviewed findings from a recent market research study and considered recommendations for refining Kenyon’s branding, messaging and visual identity.

  • The Budget, Finance and Audit Committee reviewed the financial statements for fiscal year 2020, the budget of the West Quad project, and the five-year budget model. They heard updates on enrollment and retention as well as the refinancing of Kenyon’s bonds. The Audit Sub-Committee reviewed the auditor’s report and the Investment Committee reviewed fiscal year 2019 investment returns.

  • The Buildings and Grounds Committee heard updates on recent projects, including the West Quad and the Gund Gallery roof. They authorized a study of student housing and alternative surfaces for Middle Path. They heard a student presentation on renewable energy and carbon neutrality.

  • The Academic Affairs Committee approved the promotion of three members of the faculty to full professor: Sheryl Hemkin, chemistry; Jennifer Johnson, sociology; and Steve Van Holde, international studies and political science.

  • The Admissions and Financial Aid Committee heard an update on the 2023 class, reviewed enrollment data and discussed retention.

In other business, the Board:

  • Approved the slate of trustees for the College’s affiliate boards: the Gund Gallery, Kenyon Review and the Philander Chase Conservancy;

  • Adopted memorial resolutions honoring Professor Emeritus Robert D. Burns and Trustee Emeritus Charles P. Waite;

  • Approved a recommendation by the Trustee Affairs Committee to convert the ad hoc Title IX Committee into a permanent standing committee, chaired by Rt. Rev. Mark Hollingsworth, Jr.