A fixture on campus for 26 years, Chris Kennerly has long been the face of the College’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion — often in his signature bow tie. He has served as dean for diversity, equity and inclusion since the office was created in 2014.
His work out of Allen House aims to provide the campus community with the resources and services that foster student success and a sense of belonging. The office also provides a cultural support system for students through three program houses: the Crozier Center for Women, the Snowden Multicultural Center and Unity House.
Kennerly, who joined Kenyon in 2000, will be retiring at the end of the academic year. But first, he took some time to talk about his love of graduation and family and the classes he would still love to take.
Besides Gambier, where is your favorite place in the world to be?
Any location with my wife and daughter, or my best friends from college.
Why did you come to Kenyon?
I was ready for a change from The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina, where I was doing similar work. I interviewed with Samantha Hughes and, I believe, another member of Kenyon's student affairs staff at either the NASPA (National Association of Student Personnel Administrators) or ACPA conference. The Kenyon search committee subsequently invited me to campus for an interview, and Dean of Students Don Omahan ’70 H’07 offered me the position. I accepted, and 26 years later, I’m still here!
Fill in the blank: My experience at Kenyon would not be the same without ______.
The unwavering support of my wife, Myrna. She has filled many gaps at home, allowing me to devote so much of my time and energy to supporting Kenyon students.
What is your favorite Kenyon tradition?
Graduation! I love seeing students and their families come together to celebrate the accomplishment of earning a college degree.
What Kenyon class would you love to take — again or for the first time?
“Music and the African American Experience” (MUSC 207), taught by Reggie Sanders (professor of music); “Soul Culture” (AMST 221), taught by Frankie Gourrier (associate professor of American Studies and history); or “Neuroscience and Pop Culture,” a course my daughter took at Oberlin. I’ve offered Sanders and Gourrier plenty of unsolicited pedagogical advice about their courses over the years, even though I’ve never actually taken either one!
If there was a soundtrack to your Kenyon experience, what song would be on repeat?
I would choose two songs. The first, which I would dedicate to the students I’ve had the privilege of supporting over the years, is “Shining Star” by Earth, Wind & Fire, which simply says:
You're a shining star
No matter who you are
Shining bright to see
What you could truly be.
The second is the spiritual “If I Can Help Somebody,” with my favorite rendition being the one by Mahalia Jackson:
If I can help somebody as I pass along …
Then my living shall not be in vain.
Where do you find satisfaction outside of your work?
One of the things I enjoy most outside of my regular responsibilities at Kenyon is volunteering as a coach with the College’s track and field teams. I love watching our student-athletes embrace their competitive spirit, challenge themselves, and give their best effort to a sport they participate in largely for the love of the competition.
I have been a big fan of track and field since my daughter first began participating in the sport as an elementary school student. My involvement with Kenyon’s program began when I accompanied (now-retired head) coach Duane Gomez to a spring break track meet in Charlotte, North Carolina. I later had the opportunity to work alongside (former assistant) coach Brian Clymer, and I now enjoy volunteering with current head coach Julius Higginbotham.
Over the years, I have learned a tremendous amount about track and field from all three coaches, and I am grateful that they have welcomed me into their programs. More than anything, I appreciate the opportunity to spend time with our student-athletes, encourage them, celebrate their accomplishments, and support them through the ups and downs of competition. It has been a wonderful way to connect with Kenyon students outside of my regular role and to remain involved in a sport that has brought me so much enjoyment over the years.
What is something interesting that you have read recently?
“The Education of Blacks in the South, 1860-1935,” by James D. Anderson, an older and dense book, but very informative.
What new skill would you like to learn?
I would love to learn to play a musical instrument, particularly the piano, keyboard or Hammond organ. I’ve always admired Joe Sample’s style of playing, and I dream of being able to sit down at a piano and perform some of my favorite Donny Hathaway songs in a small, intimate setting, like a cozy jazz piano bar. There’s something special about the warmth, soul and emotion of that kind of music. Being able to create that atmosphere and share it with others is my musical fantasy!
What is the best piece of advice that you’ve ever been given?
I’m not sure it’s the best advice I’ve ever received, but it’s certainly the funniest, and it has stuck with me since 1988. Every Friday at the end of the workday, my first boss in higher education, Marie Artis, would say, “Be safe, and if you can’t be safe, be fast!”
The Kenyon Ten is an occasional question-and-answer feature that highlights students, faculty and staff.