Kent John Chabotar, Ph.D. was president of Guilford College in Greensboro, N.C. from 2002–2014, and professor of political science. During his presidency, the College developed two strategic plans, set an all-time fundraising record toward a total of $90 million in cash and bequests while also restoring financial equilibrium and improving buildings and grounds with $36 million of strategic investments.
Kent has served on the faculty of the Harvard Institutes for Higher Education since 1983, including the Seminar for New Presidents. Based in part on his higher education teaching, the Council of Independent Colleges gave Kent its Academic Leadership Award in 2003. Kent is a nationally recognized expert on higher education strategy and finance. He has spoken on the global economic crisis at conferences and events and has numerous publications, including the book “Strategic Finance” (2006). His consulting specialties are institutional turnarounds, financial analysis and modeling, debt management and restructuring, and coaching of presidents and CFO’s.
From 1991 to 2002, Kent was vice president for finance and administration and treasurer/CFO at Bowdoin College, and a member of the faculty. Previously, Kent was on the faculties of the Harvard Graduate School of Education, the University of Massachusetts and Michigan State University. He received the Fussa Distinguished Teaching Award at Harvard and the Distinguished Educator Award for Teaching Excellence at Michigan State University.
Kent holds a B.A. degree in political science magna cum laude from Saint Francis University. The Maxwell School at Syracuse University awarded his M.P.A. with distinction and Ph.D. in public administration. Kent received an honorary degree from Heidelberg University in Ohio in 2015.
