Kenith C. Britt, Ph.D.
Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer
Kenith C. Britt, Ph.D., has been selected to serve as Marian University’s ninth president, beginning July 2027. A member of the Marian community since 2013, Dr. Britt has held leadership roles across the university, contributing to its academic, philanthropic, enrollment, and operational growth.
As chief operating officer and chancellor, a position he has held since 2022, Dr. Britt provides leadership across the university and works with faculty, staff, students, trustees, alumni, and community partners to advance Marian’s strategic priorities. His appointment as president builds on more than a decade of experience helping shape the university’s direction and expand its impact.
Dr. Britt began his Marian career as senior vice president for advancement, where he strengthened philanthropic relationships and helped secure resources to support the university’s priorities. In 2016 he became the founding dean of the Fred S. Klipsch Educators College, where he established an innovative residency-based approach to teacher preparation that combines rigorous academics with extensive classroom experience. Under his leadership, the college achieved record enrollment, attracted $115 million in philanthropic support, and earned national recognition for its model.
Named as the senior vice president for strategic growth and innovation in 2020, Dr. Britt helped drive enrollment growth, broaden Marian University to Plymouth, Indiana, and develop strategic partnerships that expanded opportunities for students and strengthened Marian’s impact.
Dr. Britt’s career in education began in K–12 Catholic schools. Before joining Marian, he served as a teacher, principal, and Catholic school system president. These experiences continue to inform his approach to higher education and his belief that education should prepare students not only for successful careers, but for lives of purpose, leadership, and service.
Beyond Marian, Dr. Britt is a respected community leader who invests his time and expertise in organizations that advance education, health, workforce development, and the broader community. He currently is chairman of the Mission Committee of Ascension St. Vincent Health and co-chairman for the Higher Education Committee of the Indiana Career Apprenticeship Pathway (INCAP). Ken also serves on the Governance Committee of the Indy Chamber of Commerce, Executive Committee of United Way of Central Indiana, and Development Committee of the West Liberty University Foundation.
Dr. Britt’s contributions have been recognized with the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award from West Liberty University, the Council for Independent Colleges’ 2021 Future Presidential Vocational Fellowship, and the 2017 Indy’s Best and Brightest Award.
Dr. Britt earned a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from The Catholic University of America, a master’s degree in Leadership Studies from Marshall University, and a bachelor’s degree in Education with a minor in Mathematics from West Liberty University.
A Catholic educator and leader, Dr. Britt is committed to service, community, and living out the Catholic Franciscan values. He and his wife, Jessica, are the parents of four daughters and are members of St. Roch Catholic Church in Indianapolis.