Keynote Speaker
Dr. Katherine Fell, President
The University of Findlay
Katherine Rowe Fell became the 17th president of The University of Findlay on July 1, 2010. Dr. Fell has led the University community through an update of the 2005-15 Strategic Plan, adding emphases on international travel and service learning as shared experiences for the University’s students and sparking a re-examination of the core curriculum.
Dr. Fell is a member of the American Association of University Women and of Handbags That Help, a women’s philanthropic organization serving Hancock County, Ohio. She served as keynote speaker for the American Association of University Women’s 2011 State Conference and was recognized as one of Ohio’s Most Powerful and Influential Women during the 2011 Ohio Diversity and Leadership Conference.
Dr. Fell previously served as vice president for advancement at Centenary College, Shreveport, La., where she had been the chief development officer since 2000. She began her tenure at Centenary in 1986 as an associate professor of English. During her 14 years as a professor, she developed an interdisciplinary major in communication, which grew to become one of the college’s strongest majors, and taught a variety of English courses.
A native of Stamps, Ark., she holds a bachelor of science in education in English, with a minor in speech, from Southern Arkansas University, Magnolia, and a master of arts in English from Louisiana Technical University in Ruston. She completed a Ph.D. in English from Texas A&M University at College Station.
Dr. Fell and her husband, Roger, are the parents of six children.
Class Representative
Chelsey McMillan
Chelsey McMillan has been selected as the Owens Community College class representative and will address the graduates during this evening’s 32nd Fall Commencement Ceremony.
McMillan, of Monroe, Mich., is a graduate from the Registered Nursing Program. She transferred to Owens in January 2011 after working toward a nursing degree at another college.
“Right away at Owens, I noticed a supportive environment. I felt like the faculty wanted to see you succeed,” said McMillan.
In addition to the honor of being selected to represent her class, McMillan earned a 4.0 grade-point average at Owens and runs marathons in her personal time.
According to her instructors, she is a student who always goes above and beyond in her studies, has a positive attitude and is outstanding in patient care.
“If it wasn’t for Owens, I wouldn’t be becoming a registered nurse. Owens did so much more than give me a degree, they gave me a chance to do what I love, said McMillan.
She credits her success to the support and love of her family, as well as her boyfriend, Drew, and his family. She would like to thank the nursing faculty for its support, especially Julie Lohse, who McMillan described as her constant cheerleader.
One of McMillan’s favorite quotes is “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Her speech will address the challenges she and the other graduates encountered on their own personal journeys.
After graduation, McMillan would like to work as an Obstetrics nurse and plans on pursuing her bachelor’s degree and eventually would like to become a Certified Nurse Midwife or a Nurse Practitioner.
Past Speakers
- View past Keynote Speakers.
- View past Class Speakers.