Skip to main content

 

 

Join us for President Dougherty's Inauguration as the 21st President of Marietta College on Friday, October 17 at 2:00 p.m. in the Dyson Baudo Recreation Center. This historic occasion celebrates the inauguration as we honor our past and look toward a bright future under the leadership of President Dougherty.  RSVP is required.

Dr. Kathleen Poorman Dougherty was appointed interim president of Marietta College in January 2025 and appointed as president by the Board of Trustees in August 2025. Prior to her presidency, Dr. Dougherty served as Marietta College’s Provost and Dean of the Faculty, where she played a pivotal role in advancing strategic initiatives and fostering innovation in academic programs. 

Originally from Ashland, Ohio, President Dougherty earned an M.A. and a Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Oklahoma, and a B.A. in Philosophy from St. Olaf College. She brings more than 25 years of experience in higher education leadership.

Committed to the transformative power of a liberal arts education, Dr. Dougherty champions academic excellence, student success, and community engagement. With a background in philosophy and a deep commitment to ethical leadership, she works to uphold Marietta College’s rich history while guiding its vision for the future. Under her leadership, the College remains dedicated to preparing students for lives of purpose, service, and intellectual exploration.

Learn more about President Kathleen Poorman Dougherty.

Inauguration FAQs

Who is invited?

We are thrilled to invite you to join us for the historic inauguration ceremony of President Kathleen Dougherty. 

All faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, friends and community partners interested in attending are asked to RSVP by October 1.

Special delegates from other colleges and universities are invited to attend and/or participate in the processional of the ceremony. Delegates who plan to attend also are asked to RSVP by October 1.

Do I need to RSVP?

Yes! All those who plan to attend the Inauguration Ceremony must register for the event. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to celebrating this special occasion with you. The deadline to register is October 1. To RSVP, please use the RSVP button above and designate on the form the group that best fits you.

 If you have any issues during this process, please email inauguration@marietta.edu. 

Is there additional information for delegates?

It is a longstanding tradition for colleges, universities and learned societies to send delegates to a presidential inauguration. Dressed in the academic regalia of their respective institutions, delegates march in the inauguration processional. We're thrilled to invite your institution to designate a delegate to participate in the formal processional during President Kathleen Dougherty's Inauguration Ceremony. 

Delegates should RSVP by October 1.

College and University delegates who plan to process are asked to report in full regalia to Fenton Court in the Dyson Baudo Recreation Center by 1:30 p.m. There will be signage guiding guests to the Dyson Baudo Recreation Center and Fenton Court. 

Delegates who choose not to participate in the processional will have reserved seating located near the front of the audience. Signage will direct delegates to the reserved area. Please be seated by 1:50 p.m. to ensure a smooth start to the program. 

Delegate parking is located near our Physician Assistant building at 208 Third Street, Marietta, OH 45750. Parking also is available both on campus and along the city streets surrounding campus. While Butler Street will be closed to thru traffic for our Homecoming festivities, the parking lot on that street will remain accessible for guest use. 

Is there additional information for Faculty or Emeriti  Faculty? 

Marietta College Faculty and Emeriti Faculty are invited to participate in the formal processional during the Inauguration Ceremony. 

Please RSVP by October 1. 

Faculty and Emeriti Faculty participating in the processional are asked to report in full regalia to Fenton Court in the Dyson Baudo Recreation Center by 1:30 p.m. 

Emeriti Faculty not processing are welcome to use the reserved seating located near the front of the audience. Signage will direct Emeriti Faculty to the designated area. Please be seated by 1:50 p.m. to ensure a smooth start to the program.

Will classes be held on the day of the Presidential Inauguration?

Classes will dismiss at 1:50 p.m. on Inauguration Day and offices will close at that time so employees and students may attend the ceremony. 

All who are planning to attend must RSVP by October 1.

What is the dress code?

If you are a delegate from another institution or a faculty member or emeriti faculty processing during the ceremony, you should wear academic regalia. 

Guests are encouraged to dress for the occasion. Students are encouraged to wear Marietta attire. 

Are there other events I can attend?

Inauguration is held from 2 to 4:30 p.m. on Friday during Homecoming Weekend.  Alumni, students and employees are also invited to participate in Homecoming activities. Alumni and employees should register at www.marietta.edu/homecoming. 

What hotels/inns are recommended for guests?

Because it is Homecoming Weekend, accommodations in Marietta may be limited. You can search for availability on the Marietta, Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau website. 

The Greater Parkersburg Convention and Visitors Bureau offers lodging information in nearby areas.

What if I have accessibility needs?

Marietta College is committed to creating an accessible Inauguration experience for all who attend. We will do our best to provide reasonable accommodations for this event. When you register, please note any accommodations you might need, and we will be in touch with you if we need further information. You may also contact us at inauguration@marietta.edu.

Where can I park?

Limited general parking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis for guests attending inauguration events. 

For information about the parking availability on campus, please refer to our event parking map. Guests may park in any lot; however, Accessible spots are reserved for vehicles displaying an “Accessible” placard. 

In addition to on-campus parking, limited on-street parking is available on Putnam and Fourth Streets on the campus perimeter.

Delegates from other institutions may park in reserved parking at the Physician Assistant lot at 208 Third Street, on the corner of Third and Butler Streets. 

What if I have a question not answered in the FAQ?

Please direct all unanswered questions about President Dougherty’s Inauguration to inauguration@marietta.edu.

Inauguration Committee

Dr. Suzanne Walker, Interim Provost

Bethany Leslie '12, Vice President, Advancement

Dr. Linda Lockhart '93, Interim Executive Director, Marketing and Communication

Tara Meagle, Director of Advancement Events and Conference Services

Gi Smith, Director of Alumni Engagement and Communication

Paula Lewis '10, Executive Coordinator to the President

Connie Legraen, Executive Administrative Coordinator