See what our College community has been up to in the past month in our Campus Recap.
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PRESIDENT FERNANDES ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT
After five years of passion and a dedication to student centered leadership, President Jane Fernandes will be retiring September 10, 2026.
“I have enormous admiration for Antioch College and, especially, for the people who give this College its strength—our students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees, friends, and the many others who believe deeply in its purpose.” said President Fernandes.
“Antioch has endured and flourished because generations of people have cared for it, challenged it, and believed in what it can become. I share that belief, and I look toward Antioch’s future with great confidence and affection.”
Executive Director of Advancement Natalie Kubat will serve as Acting Interim President upon Dr. Fernandes’ retirement. The Board of Trustees has begun the process of searching for Antioch College’s next President.
Hear more from Antioch College leaders in the next edition of The Antiochian Alumni Magazine in the days ahead.
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NEW STUDENTS ARRIVE ON CAMPUS
This week, many new students arrived on campus for New Student Orientation meeting their orientation leaders and many others among the campus community.
The students and their families have participated in several information sessions outlining the College’s academic pathways, work programs, and community life, helping them get acclimated to Antioch College.
Orientation continues early next week and classes will begin on Wednesday. Faculty and staff are eager to begin the new academic year and work with students inside the classroom and in their campus jobs.
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MYTHS, MAGIC, AND FOLKLORE THROUGH CLAY AND THE CREATIVE SPIRIT
A week-long summer art workshop was held at Antioch College from July 26 to August 1, 2026, made possible thanks to grant funding from The Ohio Arts Council ArtSTART program. This “art camp for grown ups” was designed for pre-professional and professional adult artists, offering a semi-structured, immersive experience that blended hands-on studio practice with creative exploration and community building.
Two storytelling presentations including “What is Folklore Anyways?” and “The Fool of the World and His Flying Ship,” sparked participant imagination and connected directly to the workshop’s theme of myths and folklore. Participants were challenged to think expansively and develop narrative approaches to their clay work.
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As we continue making improvements to buildings around campus and prioritizing student spaces, we will bring frequent updates on the latest projects happening around campus.
The team spent much of the summer making updates to residence halls in preparation for students’ arrival to campus.
Projects Included:
- Birch Hall and North Hall General Cleaning and Turnovers
- Birch Hall and North Hall HVAC Room Repairs
- Birth Hall Parking Lot Restriping
- Birch Hall Patio Cleanup
- North Hall Backup Water Heater Installation
- North Hall Carpet Cleaning
- North Hall Fire Alarm Panel Replacement
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Alumni Engagement Opportunities
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VIRTUAL TOWN HALL COMING IN SEPTEMBER
In just a few weeks Interim President Natalie Kubat and other members of the College’s Executive Leadership Team will host a Virtual Town Hall for alumni. The Town Hall is an opportunity to engage with leaders and learn more about the long-term vision for Antioch College. Stay-tuned for more details in the days ahead.
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ANTIOCH ON THE ROAD RETURNS
The Antioch on the Road series continues. Last year leaders at Antioch College traveled from state to state engaging with alumni chapters across the country. It’s always a joy to hear the fond memories alumni share about their time at Antioch College and to have the opportunity to better understand how alumni wish to engage with the College.
The Antioch on the Road tour begins in October with its first stop being the Bay Area. Keep an eye out for more details about when we will be in your neighborhood.
Additional Stops Include:
October – Seattle/Portland
December – LA
February – New Mexico
March – Texas
April – DC
April – New York
May – Chicago
June – Boston
JOIN THE ADMISSIONS TEAM AT A COLLEGE FAIR NEAR YOU
September 16: Texas
September 17: Texas
September 18: Texas
September 25: Ohio
October 5: Ohio
October 19: Ohio
October 27: Ohio
November 12: Ohio
Contact the admissions office at admission@antiochcollege.edu if you are interested in learning more.
REFER A FUTURE ANTIOCHIAN
You can also support Admissions at Antioch College by nominating prospective students. If you know a student who would thrive in our community, complete this form today.
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ANTIOCH COLLEGE ALUMNI AND FRIENDS 2026 INSIGHTS AND FEEDBACK SURVEY
THANK YOU to every person who completed the Antioch College Alumni and Friends 2026 Insights and Feedback Survey! Your voice matters!
Early reviews of data from nearly 600 responses show that:
- Email is by far the most highly preferred format for receiving updates from Antioch, as indicated by 80% of respondents. The top topics of interest, in rank order, are: alumni updates, student news, faculty news, admissions updates, and staff news.
- Virtual events are of growing interest among alumni and friends.
One Morgan Place (the monthly email newsletter prepared and sent by Antioch College staff) and
The Antiochian (the periodic alumni publication led by graduates) are valued resources for information about ways to engage with and stay in-the-know about Antioch.
Average levels of satisfaction with communication frequency, clarity, and overall impact ranged from 3.10 to 3.34, which falls within the neutral range and signals to our team that there is room for enhancement.
Participation through giving is the highest-ranking form of both previous and planned engagement among respondents, which is exciting!
These early findings are already helping us better understand what our alumni and friends value, how you want to hear from Antioch, and where we have opportunities to do better. Thank you for sharing your perspective—and for helping us strengthen the ways we stay connected to the Antioch community.
We look forward to turning your feedback into action.
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Following the success of our 175 series, which explored and celebrated Antiochian achievements “Then & Now,” we’re excited to introduce a new year-long engagement series: Pathways of Today: Leading the Industries of Tomorrow.
This series offers a behind-the-scenes look at what an Antioch education looks like today—and a celebration of the students, faculty, and alumni who bring that education to life.
What makes an Antioch education different?
Rather than following a traditional, one-size-fits-all major, every Antioch student designs their own course of study through one of our five academic pathways. Drawing from a range of academic areas to create an education aligned with their individual interests, goals, and passions, our model gives students the flexibility to own their education, and explore connections across fields. This interdisciplinary approach, combined with our renowned co-op program, is what sets the Antioch experience apart.
Studies are organized around five academic pathways:
- Culture, Power, and Change
- Global Studies and Engagement
- Sustainability and the Environment
- Social Enterprise and Social Innovation
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Interdisciplinary Arts and Creative Practice
Over the course of the year, we’ll take an in-depth look at each pathway, highlighting the ideas being explored in the classroom, the work students are doing beyond it, and the ways Antiochians are putting their education into action.
First up: Culture, Power, and Change. Stay tuned for how our students, faculty, and alumni showcase academic excellence in this area.
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ANTIOCH COLLEGE WELCOMES 5 NEW FACULTY
Five new faculty members have joined the Antioch College community. Each brings a unique set of knowledge and skills that will further advance the College’s curriculum, instruction, and advising. Together, they share an affinity for Antioch’s mission and commitment to diversity, experiential learning, and community engagement.
Kerri Shaw, Associate Professor of Cooperative Education: Kerri Shaw joins us from Ohio University, where she held a professorship of instruction and served as director of OU’s Community Health Workforce Program. She holds a MSW from Ohio University. Kerri brings a wealth of experience in the community health and social work fields, with specific attention to curriculum development, networking with affiliate agencies and organizations, and grant writing.
Max Soaris Miehlstein, Postdoctoral Fellow in Cooperative Education and Community-Based Learning: Max Miehlstein is completing his Ph.D. in Psychology at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa. His research centers on the psychology of identity and artistic expression. Max is eager to leverage his experience in community-based and interdisciplinary research projects to guide Antioch students completing field research on their co-ops.
Kevin Matteson, Associate Professor of Environmental Science and Biology: Kevin Matteson joins us from Miami University Ohio. He holds a Ph.D. in Ecology and an MS in Biological Sciences from Fordham University. At Miami, Kevin led Project Dragonfly — a master’s degree program in ecology with over 750 enrolled students. Kevin brings expertise in entomology, conservation biology, and environmental education, with a specific focus on urban landscapes. Kevin will also serve as Director of the Antioch Farm, where he will lead entrepreneurial initiatives and program development.
Nathan Lipps, Visiting Assistant Professor of Writing: Nathan Lipps joins us from Central State University. Nathan holds a Ph.D. from Binghamton University and an MFA from Wichita State University. Nathan brings expertise in basic composition, creative writing, and literature, as well as theme-based writing courses grounded in the environmental humanities. Nathan is interested in reviving the Antioch Writers’ Workshop next summer.
Bailey Frye, Visiting Instructor of Mathematics: Bailey Frye is completing his Ph.D. in Physics at the University of Toledo. He joins Antioch excited to teach developmental and intermediate mathematics courses from an applied liberal arts framework. Bailey is interested in teaching physics courses during upcoming Block terms.
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Nathan Lipps, Kevin Matteson, Bailey Frye, Kerri Shaw, and Max Soaris Miehlstein (left to right)
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Elise Roenigk ‘64
We celebrate the life and lasting impact of Elise Roenigk, class of ’64 and an Emeritus Trustee, who passed away in July. In 2025, Elise received Antioch College’s President’s Medallion in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. The President’s Medallion is the College’s highest honor, recognizing individuals whose extraordinary commitment and support advance Antioch’s mission and make a transformative difference in the lives of others. Elise was also a dedicated member of the College’s Volunteer Work Project (VWP).
Alongside her late husband, Marty, class of ’65, Elise helped restore and preserve two of Eureka Springs’ landmark treasures: the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa and the 1905 Basin Park Hotel. Through her dedication to preserving gardens and waterfalls and her support of festivals and creative centers, Elise helped create a community where artists, musicians, readers, and dreamers could thrive.
Elise brought that same generosity and spirit of stewardship to her alma mater. With her generous support of Antioch College, she uplifted students, inspired faculty, and strengthened the College’s mission and future.
Her remarkable contributions to Eureka Springs and Antioch College will continue to resonate for generations. We are deeply grateful for the life she shared with our communities and for the many possibilities she helped create for those who follow.
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Penny Storm ’65
It is with deep sadness that we share with the Antioch community the passing of Penny Storm ’65.
Penny’s impact on Antioch College was both profound and enduring. Through her service on Antioch’s Board of Trustees, she provided thoughtful leadership, steady guidance, and a clear moral compass in support of the College’s long-term strength and vitality. Beyond the boardroom, her longtime involvement with the Volunteer Work Project reflected a deep and abiding commitment to experiential education, community engagement, and the principles that define Antioch.
Penny was also a regular contributor to The Antiochian, where she wrote with wit, thoughtfulness, and care about the College and its community. Through her visionary support and generosity, she helped create opportunities for students that will resonate for generations to come. Her belief in Antioch’s mission strengthened our foundation, inspired our community, and affirmed the values that make this institution unique.
Penny was also a longstanding and extraordinarily generous supporter of the College. Through the Edward D. and Mildred R. Storm Memorial Scholarship, she made a lasting impact on the lives of Antioch students. Her generosity has helped provide financial assistance to deserving students who might not otherwise have had the means to pursue a college education—opening doors, empowering dreams, and helping shape the future of our community and beyond.
In May, Penny was awarded the President’s Medallion, the College’s highest honor, which recognizes individuals whose extraordinary commitment and transformative support advance Antioch’s mission.
The Board of Trustees was fortunate to have Penny among our members these last few years. She was a lifelong, dedicated supporter of Antioch College, and brought her creativity, style, energy and unabashed frankness to all her pursuits, which included not only the Board but 40 plus years as a stalwart of the Volunteer Work Project.
Fellow trustee and Antioch classmate of Penny’s, Larry Rubin, notes that “Penny embodied what is most valuable about Antioch. She helped people feel vital and validated. When you needed someone to help you think something through, you went to Penny. All her life, her passion, enthusiasm and openness helped people come together, and she brought out the best in all of us. It’s just unfair to the world that she’s gone.”
We extend our deepest sympathies to Penny’s family, friends, and loved ones, and our enduring gratitude for all that she gave to Antioch College. Her generosity, leadership, and service are forever woven into the history of Antioch—and into its future.
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FOUNDRY THEATER’S 2026-2027 SEASON ANNOUNCED
The Foundry Theater will kick-off its season on September 17 at 7 PM with a performance by The Gibson Brothers with Missy Raines & Allegheny.
Artists from all over the world will be right here in Yellow Springs contributing to the transformative power of the performing arts. View the full season line up on our website.
If you feel compelled to engage right away and support this powerful programming and its impact on our communities, consider being a season supporter and get your season tickets today!
ANTIOCH HISTORY WITH SCOTT SANDERS
Antioch College Archivist Scott Sanders History Talk covered The Devil & Daniel Ellsberg or How Scott Got Fired: A brief history of Antiochiana and a harrowing personal account of Scott’s experiences with Antioch University.
Register for Scott’s upcoming lectures or join him at 12:30 PM at the Olive Kettering Library on September 9th.
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Arrivals, Departures, Transitions, and Milestones
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Transitions:
Dr. Jennifer Grubbs, Associate Professor of Anthropology and Chair of the Social Sciences Division, has been appointed as Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs. Reporting directly to the Dean of Faculty within the Office of Academic Affairs, Dr. Grubbs will work to support academic integrity and foster an inclusive, high-performing academic culture.
Arrivals:
Dorinda Hill-Community Care Organizer
Mike Kubat-New HR Generalist
Departures:
Alyssa Johnston-07/23/2026
Richard Kraince- 08/21/2026
Changes & Promotions:
Corretta King-Promotion to Dean of Admissions
Zoe Ritzhaupt-Promoted to Senior Admissions Counselor
Dawn Richter-Promotion to Director of Food Services and Retail Operations
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