Listen Here
By Pulse Staff
For more than 20 years, Christine Denecker, Ph.D., has taken on many roles at the University of Findlay. Effective Jan. 1, 2026, she was named the University of Findlay’s vice president of academic affairs. She served as the interim in that role since August 2025.
Denecker graduated from Bluffton University with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English Education and Communication and received her Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Composition from Bowling Green State University in 2007.
While higher education is experiencing challenges, she is undaunted.
“It’s exciting to be part of the current, shifting landscape of higher education,” Denecker said in an email interview. “I am proud to work alongside UF students, colleagues, and community members to create innovative learning pathways that lead to high-demand jobs.”
She was a high school English teacher at Allen East High School for 12 years as well as an instructor at Owens Community College for three years.
She came to University of Findlay in 2003 as an English professor. Since then, her other roles have included associate vice president for learning and innovation, in which she led the Center for Teaching Excellence to help faculty perfect their craft.
In a released statement, UF President Dr. Katherine Fell praised Denecker’s service.
“As the University continues to respond to current workforce needs, I am confident that Dr. Denecker will uphold the high quality and performance of our undergraduate, graduate, and professional academic programs,” Fell said.
Her current duties include overseeing the CTE and the University’s College Credit Plus (CCP) program, which has grown into the largest private dual enrollment program in Ohio with more than 2,000 students, according to Beth Church, Ph.D. with the communications advancement office.
“The Office of Academic Affairs serves to ensure that learners—whether they come to UF for a degree, a workshop, a credential, or a course—are provided with challenging, supportive, and relevant educational experiences,” Denecker said.
Last fall Denecker was heavily involved in the academic affairs launch of planning around five strategic pillars: mission and vision, holistic learning, academic offerings, external reach, and community integration.
“There’s a long legacy of the value of a University of Findlay education,” Denecker said. “We will continue to build on that as we respond to current work-force needs.”
