Dr. Philip P. Kerstetter was appointed the seventeenth president of Kansas Wesleyan University on May 2, 2002. His term began July 1, 2002. Dr. Kerstetter’s career has spanned more than 30 years in public and private higher education.

Prior to his current appointment, Dr. Kerstetter served as the Executive Associate to the President at Thiel College, a liberal arts, sciences, and professional studies college of about 1,200 students located in rural northwestern Pennsylvania and affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. As the Executive Associate to the President, his responsibilities included solicitation of major gifts in support of college operations and the construction of a new athletic stadium, support of the Blue and Gold Club, the development of new academic programs, grant development, the creation of institutional linkages, and service on various college committees. He also assumed additional responsibilities as the interim Director of Church Relations and lead efforts to raise $1.4 million to support the construction of a freestanding chapel on the Thiel College campus.

Prior to his service at Thiel College, Dr. Kerstetter served a one-year assignment as the Special Associate to the Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs in the State System of Higher Education. He served at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania for more than 15 years in various capacities, including Director of Institutional Research and Planning, Dean of Graduate Studies, Dean of Education, and Dean of Education and Graduate Studies. Dr. Kerstetter carries the status of Administrator Emeritus from Edinboro University.
 
In addition to his formal appointments, Dr. Kerstetter has served on numerous state and national committees. He is a recognized authority on assessment and strategic planning. He has authored grants and has published in professional journals.

Dr. Kerstetter is active in the community. He is a member of the University United Methodist Church and currently serves on several local advisory groups. He previously served as a member of the Board of Trustees at Thiel College, including service as the head of the Board’s Instruction Committee and member of the Board’s Executive Committee. He was a member and the past Chair of the Board of Directors of the State YMCA of Pennsylvania. 

Dr. Kerstetter is a member of the Board of the Salina Area United Way and served as the Chair of the 2006 Salina Area United Way Annual Campaign.  He began his term on the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors in 2007.  He also is a member of the Boards of the Associated Colleges of Central Kansas, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, the National Association of Schools and Colleges of The United Methodist Church, Ashby House, the Stiefel Theatre, Community Access TV, and the Salina Arts & Humanities Commission. 

Dr. Kerstetter received his Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania; his Master of Education in College Counseling from the University of Delaware, and his Doctor of Philosophy in Special Education Administration from Gallaudet College in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Kerstetter is married to Mary Johnson Kerstetter. Mary has been a textbook representative for W.W. Norton and Company and currently is involved in several civic organizations in the Salina community. They have two children, David William Kerstetter and Joanne Kerstetter Rooney.  David is a Research Scientist and Adjunct Faculty member at Nova Southeastern University; he and his wife have a daughter and reside in Florida.  Jodie (an MBA Graduate of Kansas Wesleyan University) is the Academic Events Coordinator for California University of Pennsylvania.  Jodie and her husband have two sons and reside in Pennsylvania.