Oglethorpe University’s first female president talks priorities for students

Dr. Kathryn McClymond was recently named the 18th president of Oglethorpe University, making her the first woman to lead the liberal arts college in Brookhaven. McClymond joins “Closer Look” to discuss her new role and her top priorities, including assisting first-year college students through a DEI program. (LaShawn Hudson/WABE)

Dr. Kathryn McClymond believes in the power of higher education.

As the first woman and 18th president to lead Oglethorpe University, McClymond is working to empower faculty, staff and students to ensure their success.

On Wednesday’s edition of “Closer Look,” the veteran educator told host Rose Scott that the Brookhaven liberal arts college is committed to teaching excellence and providing an inclusive learning environment.

“It’s not just about knowledge,” said McClymond. “It’s not just about skills. It’s about training the imagination so that students have the opportunity to imagine a world that they don’t yet inhabit and then equipping them to go out and build that world.”

During the conversation, McClymond also discussed her top priorities, including assisting first-year college students through a DEI program.