In June, Houghton welcomed a new Registrar to the community. Kevin Kettinger, described by his colleagues as “devoted, kind, caring and committed,” as well as “professionally competent” started his new position in Registrar Office this fall. This may be his first time working with Houghton, but Kettinger is not foreign to this position.
Kettinger spent 17 years in higher education at Roberts Wesleyan College, 13 of those years working in the Registrar’s Office, and four years in Student Financial Services. In his position in the Registrar Office at Roberts Wesleyan, he had been responsible for the day-to-day operations of the office, as well as continuing to further the efficiency of it through the use of technology within the department. John Wise, Director of Institutional Research and Assessment, said regarding Kettinger’s credentials, “Kevin has a real concern for student success as well as an understanding of technology applications in the Registrar’s office. He will help to apply our data systems and processes to improved student services and satisfaction.”
Prior to his position at Roberts Wesleyan College, Kettinger worked eight years in finance at the credit union for the Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, Michigan. He received his B.A. degree in philosophy at Asbury University and a M.S. degree in organizational management at Roberts Wesleyan College.
The Houghton search committee , Jack Connell; Eric Currie; John Wise; and Dale Wright, strongly endorsed Kettinger, as well as did President Mullen, Area Associate Deans and the Directors of Student Financial Services and Admissions.
Jack Connell, Dean of the College and Vice President of Academic Affairs, believes Kettinger’s previous experience has prepared him well for his new position. “Mr. Kettinger has a deep commitment to and understanding of Christian higher education. For the past 13 years he has worked in the Registrar’s office at a Christian liberal arts college, and prior to that he graduated from one himself. He knows who we are and what we are about, and embraces all of that warmly.”
Although uprooting from Rochester was not an easy decision, Kettinger and his family are looking forward to integrating into the life of the community and have already been made to feel very welcome.
“I have enjoyed the thoughtfulness and community feel of this institution as I observe and interact with students, staff, and faculty members,” Kettinger said. “This is a special place and I am very blessed to be here.”
Kettinger and his wife have five children. Their oldest is a transfer at Houghton, in her junior year. Jack Connell speaks highly of Kettinger’s honorable character. “Mr. Kettinger is a man of rock-solid Christian faith , deeply devoted to Christ and to the church. He honors and adores his wife and five children. He is a genuinely kind and caring person. He works hard, is thoughtful in his decision-making, and seeks excellence in all things.”
As one of the newest members of the Houghton community, Kevin Kettinger is looking forward to furthering the development of the Registrar’s Office. “My goal is to work with the great staff here to continue to move the Registrar’s Office forward to best aid and serve the students through their academic journey. We do all of these things ultimately for God’s glory.”
