The Kenyon College Board of Trustees convened in Gambier on Oct. 25–26 for its fall 2023 meeting. It was the first meeting chaired by Aileen Hefferren ’88 H’12, who assumed leadership of the board on July 1. It also was President Julie Kornfeld’s first meeting with the full board.
In this season of firsts, it was fitting that the fall board meeting coincided with Founders’ Day, when Kenyon’s newest students mark their official matriculation into the community and when the College honors those past and present whose contributions have made Kenyon strong. Professor of Art Claudia Esslinger gave an inspired, visually rich address.
The board dedicated its plenary sessions to a discussion of the various headwinds facing higher education as a sector — enrollment volatility following the pandemic, costs that are rising faster than household incomes, new challenges to recruiting students reflective of our nation and the world, to name a few. Kenyon is not insulated from these dynamics, and the board engaged in a lively and thoughtful examination of their potential impact on Kenyon.
The discussions continued in the meetings of the strategic committees:
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The Campus and Finance Committee discussed the competing demands on the operating budget. The committee reviewed the financial statements for the close of the 2022-23 budget; the status to date of the 2023-24 budget; and potential priorities for the 2024-25 budget, which will be finalized at the February meeting. The committee also heard reports on current capital projects and the carbon neutrality master planning process.
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The Student Experience Committee heard from members of senior staff and institutional research who shared how we use data to understand Kenyon's place in higher education and measure alumni outcomes. The committee then met with a group of student leaders, who shared their priorities and aspirations for the year.
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The Kenyon in the World Committee focused its discussion on several initiatives in the strategic plan that have the potential to further distinguish Kenyon in the higher education landscape. The committee discussed the results from a recent set of market research as well as an audit of peer programs and marketing. The committee also heard a report on national philanthropic trends and received an update on the regional housing supply and options for faculty and staff.
In other business, the board:
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Approved the following promotions to full professor: Eliza Ablovatski, history; Galina An, economics; Maria Mendonca, music; Aaron Reinhard, physics; and Chengjuan Sun, Chinese.
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Adopted a resolution of appreciation for Jeffrey A. Bowman, provost and former acting president:
“...Never afraid to rise to a challenge, you’ve tackled progressive positions of leadership within the faculty and administration, doing it all with your characteristic warmth... You stepped into the role of provost in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading the academic division as the work of teaching and learning faced a historic upheaval… You then took the helm to provide a steady course during a presidential transition, ensuring that the College has never felt adrift… The Board of Trustees offers its sincere thanks for your devotion to the College’s needs, and looks forward to your continued service as provost.”
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Adopted a resolution of appreciation for Brackett B. Denniston ’69 H’15, outgoing board chair:
“...In your nearly quarter-century as a Kenyon trustee, eight years of which were spent as board chairman, you have compiled an outstanding record of achievement. You have brought both intelligence and wisdom to bear on issues of critical concern to the College, including the presidential searches that resulted in the appointments of Sean Decatur and Julie Kornfeld… As you move on from the chairmanship, know that your fellow board members are truly grateful for your service, and that they look forward to your continuing engagement with the College.”
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Ratified the Board of Directors of the Gund Gallery, the Board of Trustees of the Kenyon Review and the Board of Directors of the Philander Chase Conservancy.
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Approved the 2022-23 audited financial statements.
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Convened its operational committees: the Audit and Risk Committee, Governance and Nominating Committee, Inclusion and Equity Committee, and Investment Committee.
Thursday evening, the board gathered for a reception in the beautifully restored Bexley Hall, which will open as a residence hall and social space in the spring semester. The evening ended with dinner in Peirce Lounge and a rousing concert by Take Five, Kenyon’s talented co-ed jazz a cappella group. It was a wonderful celebration of Kenyon’s past, present and future.