By Susanne Reynolds

Special to The Post-Searchlight

On Thursday, Dec. 3, Bainbridge State College recognized Kathy Ketterer, Dean of Health Sciences and Professional Studies, for her contributions to BSC while serving as dean for the past three and a half years.

Beginning in January, Ketterer will return to the classroom.

Dr. Rodney Carr, the Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs, commended Ketterer on her dedication to Bainbridge State College’s School of Health Sciences and Professional Studies (HSPS), the technical division of BSC.

He said, “Kathy has a great love for this institution and she also has a passion for what she does here every day. I hope we all can gain some of that energy from her. I certainly look forward to working with Kathy as she takes that passion into the classroom.”

As Dr. Richard Carvajal, BSC President, presented Ketterer a plaque recognizing her outstanding service in the position as Dean of HSPS, he commended both her and her staff on the work they have accomplished in improving the HSPS division.

“We all leave the roles we are in at some point—and Kathy is leaving this position so much better than what she inherited,” he said. “There is no question that Kathy has left it better than she found it because of her leadership skills and the work she and her staff have done here every day they enter the office. Thank you for giving your heart and soul to this position—and leaving it better than you found it.”

Before taking on the role as Dean of HSPS in 2012, she served as interim dean. Ketterer has been with BSC since January 2006, as an instructor of Business. Within a year’s time, she was on a tenure track. In the fall of 2011, she became an assistant professor of business with an emphasis of teaching marketing and management. She has also served as an adviser to BSC’s National Technical Honor Society.

Ketterer is a former president of the Decatur County Artists Guild and member of Bainbridge-Decatur County and Gadsden County arts councils.

Ketterer earned a Master of Business Administration at Argosy University (formerly the University of Sarasota) in Sarasota, Fla.; a Bachelor of Arts in organizational studies at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Fla., and an Associate of Arts in general studies at Manatee Community College in Bradenton, Fla.

Prior to moving to Bainbridge, Ketterer was the children’s services coordinator and trainer for Manatee County  government in Bradenton, managing $8 million in non-profit agency contracts, and providing curriculum design and training for community special projects and staff development. She was also the director of student services/registrar at Argosy University.

Ketterer also served as a trainer and instructor for the American Red Cross, program director for the Manatee Family YMCA and diving coach for the Manatee County Parks and Recreation, all in Bradenton. She also served as president of the Florida Diving Association of U.S. Diving.