Leadership
Meet the people who lead Kettering University.
Learn more about the people dedicated to empowering our students and faculty to solve real-world problems, earn patents, and make a lasting impact.
The President
The President
Dr. Robert K. McMahan, Kettering University's seventh president, has led more than a decade of transformation since 2011, advancing academic programs and campus growth. A physicist, venture capitalist, and leader in STEM education, he’s positioned Kettering as a national leader in experiential learning.
The Provost
The Provost
Dr. James Zhang has served as the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost since 2014. He oversees Kettering’s learning and teaching as the University’s Chief Academic Officer.
Leadership in Action
Kettering University’s leaders work relentlessly to propel the University’s mission.
- Ms. Marsha Bewersdorf, Vice President of Administration and Finance
- Dr. Kathryn Svinarich, Chief of Staff
- Ms. Suzanne Petrusch, Interim Vice President, Enrollment and Cooperative Services
- Dr. Janie Jacobs, Interim Vice President, Kettering Global
- Mr. Geoffrey Marsh, Vice President of Instructional, Administrative, and Information Technology
- Dr. L.B. McCune, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
- Ms. Jennifer Patterson, Vice President of University Advancement and External Relations
- Jennifer Umberger, Vice President of Marketing and Communications
- Don Rockwell, University Counsel
Deans of Kettering’s Colleges & Schools
- Dr. John Grether, Acting Dean, School of Management, Professor of Finance
- Dr. Babak Elahi, Dean, College of Sciences and Liberal Arts, Professor of Communication
- Dr. Scott Grasman, Dean, College of Engineering, Professor of Industrial Engineering
- Dr. Scott W. Reeve, Dean, Graduate School and Sponsored Research, Professor of Chemistry
Kettering University Academic Department Heads
- Dr. Susan Farhat, Department of Chemical Engineering
- Dr. Michael Farmer, Department of Computer Science
- Dr. Daniel Ludwigsen, Department of Natural Sciences
- Dr. Bassem Ramadan, Department of Mechanical Engineering
- Dr. Adam Salminen, Department of Mathematics
- Dr. Denise Stodola (Interim), Department of Liberal Arts
- Dr. Mark Thompson, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering
Honorary Degrees
Honorary Degrees
Discover the distinguished individuals who have received honorary degrees from Kettering University — one of the institution’s highest honors.
