Katherine A. Rowe

Katherine A. Rowe is an American academic administrator and scholar of English literature, specializing in Shakespeare studies and the digital humanities. She became the 28th president of the College of William & Mary in 2018, the first woman to hold the position in the institution's history. Her career is distinguished by leadership in liberal arts education, innovative digital scholarship, and a commitment to civic engagement.

Early life and education

Rowe completed her undergraduate studies at Carleton College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in English literature. She then pursued graduate work at the University of California, Irvine, receiving a Master of Arts. She earned her Doctor of Philosophy in English and American Literature from Harvard University, where her doctoral research focused on Renaissance drama and the history of media.

Academic career

Rowe began her teaching career at Yale University, serving as an assistant professor in the Department of English. She later joined the faculty at Bryn Mawr College, where she became a full professor and chair of the English Department. Her scholarly work, including the book Dead Hands: Fictions of Agency, Renaissance to Modern, examines concepts of intentionality and material culture in early modern texts. She co-founded the digital research platform Shakespeare Quarterly and has been a leading voice in integrating digital tools into humanistic inquiry, collaborating with institutions like the Folger Shakespeare Library.

Presidency of William & Mary

Rowe was elected by the Board of Visitors to succeed W. Taylor Reveley III as president of the College of William & Mary, a public research university in Williamsburg, Virginia. Her inauguration in October 2018 marked a historic moment for the university, founded in 1693. As president, she oversees all academic and administrative functions, reporting to the Board of Visitors and working closely with the Faculty of Arts & Sciences. She has emphasized strengthening the university's ties to the Commonwealth of Virginia and its unique position adjacent to Colonial Williamsburg.

Leadership and initiatives

Rowe's administration has launched several key strategic initiatives, including Vision 2026, a framework focusing on data fluency, resilience education, and civic leadership. She established the Task Force on Race and Equity to address issues of diversity and inclusion on campus. Under her leadership, William & Mary has expanded partnerships with entities like NASA and the Jefferson Lab, and she has advocated for the university's role in the Hampton Roads regional economy. A significant capital project advanced during her tenure is the planned Fine and Performing Arts Center.

Awards and honors

Rowe has received numerous fellowships and grants for her scholarly and leadership work, including from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the American Council of Learned Societies. She was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2022. In 2023, she received the Michael L. Lomax Award from the United Negro College Fund for leadership in higher education. She also holds honorary degrees from several institutions, recognizing her contributions to the liberal arts and public higher education.

Category:American academics Category:College and university presidents Category:Shakespeare scholars