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By Pulse Staff
On Thursday, April 30, the University of Findlay announced the next president of the University as Richard L. Ludwick, J.D., D.Ed., effective July 1, 2026. He will succeed Kathryn Fell, Ph.D., who is retiring after serving as UF’s president for 16 years.
Ludwick, who will be Findlay’s 18th president, has diverse presidential and vice-presidential experience at the Independent Colleges of Indiana and Albany Law School. However, his most applicable experience is his presidential role at the University of St. Thomas.
Vice President of Human Resources Heather Ward pointed out Ludwick’s history of growing enrollment and endowment at that institution.
“As president of the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Richard led a comprehensive institutional elevation that produced seven consecutive years of record-setting enrollment growth, the longest streak in the university’s history, while more than doubling undergraduate enrollment and growing gross revenues by over 100 percent,” said Ward. “Under his financial leadership, UST’s endowment grew 80 percent to 160 million, and the university raised more than 120 million, including the single largest gift and three largest foundation grants in institutional history.”
His campus presentation during his April 2 interview, titled “The Future: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities in the Next Decade,” emphasized the University as a forward-thinking institution.
Ludwick proposed a four-fold solution for UF based around enrollment growth, distinctive excellence, financial strengthening, and innovation.
In a news release from the University Ludwick stated he’s looking forward to getting started at UF.
“My wife Melynda and I are ready — and we couldn’t be more grateful for or optimistic about what’s ahead,” Ludwick said. “The University of Findlay has something rare: a genuinely meaningful mission, nationally distinctive programs, and belief in its future built together by real community. We will honor that foundation, strengthen relationships on campus and in the community, and ensure that UF is even more vibrant and impactful in the years ahead. We are honored, energized, and delighted to be in a place that feels just like home.”
