College of Arts and Sciences Appoints First Operations Director

Matthew Kennedy to oversee planning, implementation of A&S’ strategic initiatives

The College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) continues to build administrative efficiency with the appointment of a director of operations and administration.

Matthew Kennedy

Matthew J. Kennedy has assumed the newly minted role, responsible for executing the college’s Academic Strategic Plan and increasing operational effectiveness. He reports to A&S Dean Karin Ruhlandt and works closely with Budget and Finance Director Andrea Persin.

“Matthew brings extensive experience to A&S in managing the day-to-day functions of a successful liberal arts college,” says Ruhlandt, referring to Kennedy’s previous tenure at Bryn Athyn College, north of Philadelphia. “He understands the structures, procedures and policies needed to support the smooth running of many units. Matthew is a key member of our senior management team.”

Kennedy is excited to build on his experiences at Bryn Athyn, where, during his eight years as vice president, he concurrently served as chief operations officer (2015-18) and director of athletics (2010-15).

The former psychology major says he takes a strategic approach to operational efficacy.

“Everything I do supports our Academic Strategic Plan,” says Kennedy, who began his career as assistant athletic director of Neumann University, where he also earned a master’s degree in strategic leadership. “Only by enhancing our infrastructure can we promote academic, professional and personal growth. This, in turn, engenders pride in A&S and fosters a culture of success.”

In addition to overseeing the planning and implementation of the college’s strategic initiatives, Kennedy manages a variety of nonacademic programs, including ones benefiting student retention and the undergraduate experience.

“As the largest academic unit on campus, A&S accounts for more than a third of the University’s undergraduates. We provide services that support their transition to college, increase retention and decrease their time to graduate,” says Kennedy, who recently earned a certificate at Harvard University in management and leadership in higher education. “To do this, we must help faculty and staff deliver the best student experience possible.”

At Bryn Athyn, Kennedy helped raise more than $60 million for capital projects and growth initiatives. He and his team also developed, wrote and implemented the college’s five-year strategic plan.

Before that, Kennedy led Neumann’s $1.8 million athletic department through a rebranding process, as well as created the university’s first student-athlete monitoring program.

“Matthew knows how to identify, promote and implement strategies that improve institutional effectiveness,” Persin says. “I am excited to help him drive growth in revenue, while fulfilling our academic vision.”