Sean M. Decatur became the 19th president of Kenyon College on July 1, 2013. An award-winning biophysical chemist, Decatur is a lifelong champion for the liberal arts and an emerging voice in the national conversation about higher education.
Notes from Ransom Hall

Being Generous With Grace
Gracious recognition of our shared vulnerability will be essential for our collective health as a community.
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The Power of Unintentional Community
Notes From Ransom HallAs we celebrate the intentional community built at Kenyon, we should not lose sight of the power of the unintentional, casual community generated here.
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Facing the World with ‘Divine Dissatisfaction’
Notes From Ransom HallThe best way we can honor Dr. King is to choose community over chaos — to find the courage and will to overcome procrastination and stand with those who are sacrificing for justice.
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Reflections on Night One of Remote Learning
Notes From Ransom HallThe current crisis separates us physically, but we’ve built relationships in and outside of the classroom that can and will withstand this.
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Sean Decatur in the News
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Sean Decatur doesn’t see a free speech crisis on campus
In the News — The Ezra Klein ShowIn a podcast interview with Ezra Klein, President Decatur advances the debate over free speech and political correctness on campuses.
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Why the Harvard ruling will have little impact on who is offered admission
In the News — The Hechinger ReportWe must broaden our view beyond the scrutiny of admissions at wealthy, private selective colleges, President Decatur argues in an op-ed.
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Don’t be misled by the campus free speech debate. Colleges are listening — and engaging with neighbors
In the News — Washington PostWhen people from different backgrounds collaborate on common causes, the shared work spurs personal relationships and erodes stereotypes, writes President Decatur.
Ransom Hall
Kenyon College
Gambier, Ohio 43022