Dr. Philip P. Kerstetter

Man with a gray suit jacket, pink shirt and maroon tie.

Title

Member, Board of Trustees

Education

  • B.A., Religion, Bucknell University
  • M.Ed., College Counseling, University of Delaware
  • Ph.D., Special Education, Gallaudet University

Kerstetter is the fourth and current president of the University of Mount Olive in North Carolina. Kerstetter's career has spanned more than 40 years in public and private higher education, encompassing a wide range of increasingly responsible roles in all segments of university and college governance. In his role as president, he works closely with student affairs, with faculty on academic and curriculum development, initiating and completing major advancement goals, and designing and implementing fiscal strategies.

Kerstetter is a recognized authority on assessment and strategic planning and has also authored numerous grants. He also has served on many state and national committees, such as with the Boards at Thiel College, the State YMCA of Pennsylvania, the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce, the Salina Area United Way, the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference, and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. He is Chair of the Board of Directors of United Way of Wayne County, a member of the Board of Conference Carolinas, and a member of the Presidents Council for Division II of the NCAA. Prior to his current position, he served as the 17th President of Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, KS for 7 years.

Kerstetter holds a Ph.D. in special education administration from Gallaudet, an M.Ed. in college counseling from the University of Delaware, and a B.A. in religion from Bucknell University.