Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College names new president

Dr. Dottie King, interim president at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College the past eight months, has been named president, according to announcement made today by the college. She becomes the 16th president in the school’s history.

King was approved unanimously at all levels of the college’s search and review process. She has been part of the college’s faculty since 2002, serving as assistant professor of mathematics, associate professor of mathematics, chairperson of the sciences and mathematics department, assistant dean for undergraduate and international programs and vice president for academic affairs before she became interim president.

King emerged from a field of national candidates, according to Kathleen Wentland Lubeznik, chair of the board of trustees. “She possesses a rare combination of a broad range of academic achievement, a clear understanding of the college’s central role in society, excellent managerial talent and an engaging personal style that will serve our community well,” Lubeznik said.

The General Council of the Sisters of Providence, who sponsor Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, also unanimously approved the recommendation of the board of trustees of the college.

“She understands, supports and exemplifies the values undergirding the mission of the college; in addition, she understands and identifies with the spirit and mission of the Sisters of Providence,” said Sister Denise Wilkinson, the Congregation’s general superior. “We know her to be professionally competent. Too, we recognize that she has always allowed her life to be shaped by her deep belief in God. Since her arrival to The Woods nine years ago, Dr. King also has allowed herself to be deeply influenced by the life and legacy of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, foundress of the college and the Sisters of Providence.”

“It is a distinct honor to have been selected as the 16th president of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College working with such outstanding faculty, staff and students,” King said. “I am inspired by the college¹s foundress, Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, a woman whose strength, determination and philosophy lives in the hearts and souls of this community. I look forward to continuing to build what began nearly two centuries ago: a legacy of intellectual commitment, faith, social commitment and passionate determination for developing critical thinkers.”

From 1985 to 2002, King served as an instructor of mathematics at Indiana State University. She has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics from Indiana State University, and a doctorate in curriculum and instruction/educational leadership from Indiana State University.

King also serves as a board member for the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce and the United Way of the Wabash Valley, as is a member of the Terre Haute Rotary Club, board of trustees for the Clay Community School Corporation and her church.

She is an avid reader and volunteers in many activities that serve the needs of children. She has been married to her husband, Wayne, for 31 years and they have six children and one grandchild.

King succeeds David Behrs, Ph.D., who served as president from 2007 until May, 2010.