University of Findlay announces new president

FINDLAY — The University of Findlay has announced the appointment of Richard L. Ludwick, J.D., D.Ed., as its 18th president, effective July 1. He will succeed Katherine Fell, Ph.D., who is retiring after 16 years. "We are grateful for President Fell's enduring leadership and lasting impact of her service to this university", said Chris Ostrander, board chair. "While the presidency will now pass to new leadership, her legacy, faithful leadership and the lives she has impacted over these 16 years will always endure." Ludwick most recently served as president of the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas, where his leadership resulted in seven years of record-setting enrollment growth, significantly increasing overall institutional revenue, and expanding academic offerings. His leadership at the University of St. Thomas led to substantial philanthropic growth, including securing more than $120 million in gifts and grants, while increasing institutional endowments and building strong partnerships with industry, community organizations and global institutions. His experience spans a range of higher education roles, serving as president of Independent Colleges of Indiana and as provost at St. Gregory's University, and holding senior leadership positions at Albany Law School, University of Florida and University of Oregon. "The University of Findlay community looks to the future with excitement and confidence as Dr. Ludwick prepares to assume the presidency," Ostrander said. "His proven track record of leadership, combined with a clear vision for the future, positions the university to continue its upward trajectory while remaining grounded in its mission and values." A first-generation college graduate from an Indiana farming family, Ludwick brings a personal commitment to expanding access to higher education and transforming lives through learning. He is enthusiastic about joining the UF community, recognizing the institution's momentum and its distinctive strengths in the sciences, health professions and experiential learning. "My wife Melynda and I are ready — and we couldn't be more grateful for or optimistic about what's ahead. 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." Ludwick anticipates building on the university's foundation while pursuing new opportunities for growth, academic innovation and student engagement. His vision includes strengthening relationships across campus and the broader community, enhancing program offerings to meet workforce needs and continuing to deliver a highly personalized, student-centered experience. Background In December 2024, a University of St. Thomas-Houston press release announced that Ludwick would step down as president to become president emeritus at the end of the year. Among his achievements in his seven years as president, the release noted seven consecutive years of record-setting enrollment growth, expansion of academic offerings as well as growth of the physical campus, a doubling of international partnerships, and philanthropic milestones such as raising over $100 million. In an October 2017 interview for a Texas Medical Center online publication, Ludwick reflected on leading the UST campus through the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, which struck Houston two months prior. "People are suffering, including some of our own students, faculty and staff at UST," he told the publication. "But the incredible compassion and spirit of resilience I've witnessed at UST and across the region is truly extraordinary. Something like this requires a community response, and our campus community is responding, not only with action, but with care and love." He said the university was taking a multi-disciplinary approach to assessing needs and helping those who were adversely impacted, including speaking to each student, faculty and staff member individually and doing whatever possible to provide assistance, with volunteers and donors helping make that assistance possible. In early April, UF student publication The Pulse reported on Ludwick's visit to campus, including the quote, "I am a person of deep Christian faith, and because of that, I sort of intertwine my professional life with my faith life, not in a proselytizing way, but in a way that informs a Christ-centered approach to leadership and to building communities. Because this is a Christian mission-centered institution, I think that we are called to be Christ to one another." The University of St. Thomas-Houston is a private Catholic university, while UF has long been associated with the Churches of God, General Conference. Fell's leadership has guided UF through significant growth and evolution, strengthening its academic portfolio, expanding facilities, and deepening a commitment to student success and community engagement. Her tenure has positioned UF for continued stability and opportunity in an increasingly competitive higher education landscape. "The special opportunity to be part of the University of Findlay family for 16 years has been a profound gift," Fell said. "I am incredibly proud of all that has been accomplished working together to meet challenges and create opportunities for new generations of Oilers. The University is well-positioned for continued growth and success. I am confident Dr. Ludwick will build upon this strong foundation and continue to advance our mission in meaningful ways."