MARIETTA, Ohio, Oct. 12, 2026 — Marietta College will make history as President Kathleen Poorman Dougherty delivers the College’s State of the College Address: More History to Make at 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16, on Fenton Court in the Dyson Baudo Recreation Center. The address will kick off Homecoming weekend, welcoming the campus and broader community to recognize the College’s momentum and look toward its continued growth.
Dougherty will share updates on the College’s strategic initiatives, campus enhancements, student success and growing partnerships throughout the region. She also will unveil a significant announcement about Marietta College’s future, offering those in attendance a first look at what promises to be an exciting new chapter for the institution.
“Marietta College’s future is rooted in the strength of our community and the generations of students, alumni and friends who have shaped this institution,” said Marietta College President Kathleen Poorman Dougherty. “As we honor that legacy, we are embracing new opportunities to grow, serve our region and create an even brighter future for those who will follow.”
The address comes at a pivotal time for Marietta. During fiscal year 2026, the College received a record $19.3 million in cash gifts, earned reaffirmation and accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission through 2035-36 and launched its first online and low-residency graduate programs. The College also launched the Center for Appalachian Innovation and the Center for Earth, Energy and Environment, expanding Marietta’s partnerships and impact throughout the region.
Those accomplishments reflect the first year of the College’s strategic plan, More History to Make, which builds on Marietta’s nearly two centuries of history while positioning the College to pursue opportunities that will shape its path forward and strengthen its service to the region.
The State of the College Address is free and open to the public. Community members are welcome to attend. For more information, visit marietta.edu/event/more-history-make-presidential-update.
About Marietta College
Located in Marietta, Ohio, at the confluence of the Muskingum and Ohio rivers, Marietta College is a four-year liberal arts college with a strong focus on experiential learning, leadership, and service. Charted in 1835, the College serves approximately 1,000 full-time undergraduate and graduate students, fostering the confidence, optimism and opportunity needed to build meaningful careers and lives of purpose. Marietta College is consistently recognized among top regional colleges by U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review, Forbes.com, Wall Street Journal/College Pulse and other rankings. marietta.edu/rankings-success.