Listen Here
By Erin Moran
morane@findlay.edu
The University of Findlay’s presidential race is narrowing down with just four final candidates left.
On Tuesday, March 31 Dr. Kenith C. Britt presented his goals and ideas during an open forum with faculty and staff.
Britt first gave the audience a picture of his life with wife and four daughters and their horse named Hawk and described more than 20 other animals he called their pets.
His presentation entitled “The Future of the University of Findlay: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities in the Next Decade: a Moonshot of Faith, Excellence, and Strategic Growth” discussed the ideas of transformative goals that require innovation and a strong foundation. Britt stressed the Christian identity of the University of Findlay which is affiliated with the Church of God.
Britt currently serves as the chancellor and chief operating officer at Marian University in Indianapolis, Indiana. He played a key role in fundraising $70 million annually over the last four years, assisted in enrollment accessibility through online decision, and helped achieve a 10% improvement in net tuition revenue.
His experience at Marian also includes lead positions in other departments over the last thirteen years, including senior vice president of advancement, senior vice president and dean of the Fred S. Klipsch Educators College, and the senior vice president for strategic growth and innovation.
During the forum, Britt emphasized three pillars to promote excellence and further growth of UF: faith, academic innovation and excellence; enrollment growth and student success; and financial stewardship and philanthropic culture.
Britt stressed the importance of growth to institutional success.
“If you’re not growing, you’re dying,” Britt said in his speech.
He suggested pursuing a substantial increase to enrollment.
“I propose that Findlay consider increasing enrollment by 50% and doubling in the net assets of the university,” Britte said. “So, 100% growth.”
He related the challenge to increase enrollment back to his faith.
“If we position this as God is challenging us to develop transformational leaders for the world, we don’t have an ego in this. This is His university. We are caretakers of this mission,” Britt said. “Our world needs it. Therefore, we are called but to grow. You think about this in Holy Week this week, right? We’re called to embrace the cross because it is hard. It’s hard to grow. It’s hard to live out your faith. But that’s what we’re called to do. We need to grow enrollment.”
He highlighted the continuous evolution of demands and changes the university faces while still focusing on the foundational programs such as animal science, veterinary medicine, health professions, education, and business.
Student success was central to Britt’s vision for UF as he encouraged critical evaluation and impactful changes.
“How can we make sure that we are leveraging the resources we have and stop doing things that just don’t work anymore,” said Britt. “And then looking at how to invest in high leveraging programs that are going to move the needle for retention or enrollment or graduation.”
Britt concluded his presentation by stressing the importance of long-term sustainability through financial aspects and mission-oriented decisions.
“You cannot cut your way to success,” Britt said. “You can cut your way to next year, but you cannot cut your way to long term viability.”
Britt played a portion of John F. Kennedy’s Moon Shot speech referencing the inspirational message to reach beyond and move forward.
He encouraged UF to expand through philanthropic efforts and revenue-generating programs.
“Invite people to participate in this mission,” said Britt. “You have to grow philanthropic resources to support this mission, adding revenue generating programs that also support the mission and allow the university to grow.”
