Kenyon College has announced the appointments of Roger Wakeman as Chief Operating Officer and Keith DiDonato as Vice President for Advancement.
Wakeman, currently serving as Dartmouth College’s Vice President for Facilities and Energy, will assume his new role at Kenyon College on August 13. He will be responsible for managing facilities, construction, business services, information technology, and human resources. His objective is to enhance operational alignment in support of academics and student life. According to Kenyon College, Wakeman's career includes leadership in large-scale infrastructure and energy projects, technology integration, donor collaboration, and union workforce engagement across higher education and the U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps.
"I am thrilled to be joining the Kenyon College community in the newly created role of chief operating officer," said Wakeman. "From my first introduction to the opportunity it was very compelling, and as I got to know President Kornfeld, board members and other potential colleagues, it was clear to me that Kenyon is a special place. The values, campus environment and rural location aligned very well with me and my desire to only join an institution of excellence. I feel well prepared and enthusiastic about taking on this role, and I look forward to collaborating with my new teammates across all campus functions."
DiDonato will begin his tenure as Vice President for Advancement on August 4. Previously leading advancement at Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, he will oversee major giving, alumni and parent engagement, fundraising campaigns, and donor strategy at Kenyon. According to Kenyon College, DiDonato brings nearly 20 years of advancement experience during which he led record-setting fundraising efforts and helped grow alumni participation through new outreach initiatives.
"I am excited to join the Kenyon College community," said DiDonato. "This is a pivotal time in higher education and for Kenyon, and I welcome the opportunity to work beside the alumni and donor community in building the foundations for Kenyon's third century."
Kenyon College is located in Gambier, Ohio in Knox County. It offers academic programs in 50 majors, minors, and concentrations while providing opportunities for students in areas such as writing, coding, athletics, and science. The college states that it meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students while considering all applicants for merit-based scholarships.
