Remembering Dr. Kathryn T. Schoen

Vice President Schoen received her BA degree from Capital University in 1957. In 1961 and 1965, she received her MA in education and a dual PhD in speech communication and education from The Ohio State University, respectively. Dr. Schoen began teaching in the Department of Speech at the university in 1965. She took on a dual role teaching communication and education courses. In 1967, she moved into her role as associate director of the School of Allied Medical Professions where, from 1967 to 1972, she assisted in creating the curriculum for a graduate program, obtaining funding and accreditation. In 1970, Dr. Schoen was asked to chair a committee that would assess the status of all women on campus, including faculty, staff and students. This committee would eventually evolve to become the Office of Women's Affairs and would assist in the coordination of promoting the efforts and expanding the opportunities of women at the university. In the early 1970s, Provost Albert Kuhn promoted Dr. Schoen to associate provost for faculties, the first woman to be named to that role. During this time, her work focused on the documentation of promotion and tenure processes. Uniform data systems, specific procedures and guidelines were developed during her occupancy.

In 1978, President Harold Enarson named Dr. Schoen vice president for educational services. After serving in this role for five years, where her responsibilities included University Libraries, WOSU, Admissions, Continuing Education, ROTC and many other areas, she was preparing to retire. Just before taking leave, she was asked to lead the School of Nursing during the transition to the College of Nursing as its first dean. With President Jennings' support, Dr. Schoen and the School of Nursing faculty received approval from the State Nursing Board for the transition.

In 1984, Dr. Schoen's friends and colleagues honored her when they recognized her advocacy for women with the Kathryn T. Schoen Endowment Fund. The endowed fund supports opportunities for women to progress in their university administration careers. Dr. Schoen remained an advocate for faculty, staff and students at the university until her passing.

On behalf of the university community, Scholarship and Student Support expresses its deepest sympathy to the family of Vice President Kathryn T. Schoen.