Dr. Kathy Brittain Richardson, president of Westminster College, has announced her retirement effective on June 30, 2027. Richardson has served as Westminster’s 15th president since 2016. 

Throughout her presidency, Richardson has celebrated the “We in Westminster,” a powerful recognition of the way the Westminster community—students, faculty and staff, Board of Trustees and Board of Distinguished Visitors, alumni and friends—unite to advance the College’s mission and create opportunities for students to learn, lead and thrive. 

“My confidence in Westminster’s future has never been stronger,” said Richardson. “Guided by its enduring values and inspired by the people who make this institution so special, Westminster will continue to transform lives, prepare principled leaders and serve as a force for good in this region and beyond.”

According to David Farner ’85, Westminster’s Board chair, Richardson’s leadership has strengthened the Westminster community, positioning the College for continued success. 

“She has led Westminster College with extraordinary compassion, a clear and steady vision, and an unwavering commitment to our mission,” he said. “The Board of Trustees offers its deepest appreciation for her leadership and celebrates the lasting impact she has made.”

In her first year on campus, Richardson led a planning process that resulted in a four-goal strategic plan that had guided her entire presidency: recruit and retain students; revitalize the campus environment; renew engaging experiences; and replenish resources.

These four simple, yet profound goals were adopted to achieve a vision of Westminster as a nationally recognized leader in providing a supportive and transformative educational experience for all students.

During her tenure, Westminster has completed more than $50 million in campus improvements, significantly the renovation of numerous academic and residential buildings, including the renovation and expansion of the Hoyt Science Center. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and a Master of Business Administration program were added, as were the Westminster Entrepreneurship Center and the Student Success Center. The College also added three new athletic fields, upgraded its athletic facilities and added four new varsity sports. Westminster’s accreditation was reaffirmed under Richardson’s leadership, and the nursing program also gained accreditation.

“We are so grateful to Dr. Richardson for the special talents, unmatched passion and boundless energy that she brought to leading Westminster over the last decade,” said Deborah Platt Majoras ’85, a long-time trustee and donor.  “Kathy has a unique ability to include the entire College community—students and parents, faculty and staff, alumni, donors and trustees—in her leadership, and the results have been transformative.  She has proven herself a true Titan, not only in higher education, but well beyond.”

Understanding that the “We in Westminster” extends far beyond the campus grounds, Richardson has been an important partner across the Pittsburgh region and Commonwealth, serving on numerous boards, including the Lawrence County Economic Development Corporation and the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania. She was presented with the inaugural Civic Leader of the Year Impact Award from the Forward Lawrence Chamber and Economic Alliance in 2024.

Upon their arrival on campus, Richardson and her husband, Dr. Randy Richardson, who has led the Westminster Speech and Debate Society members to numerous individual state and national championships and one team national championship, quickly integrated into both the campus and local community. 

“Randy and I have been deeply blessed by our years in New Wilmington and Lawrence County,” she said. “We will always treasure the friendships, kindness and sense of purpose we have found here.”

Before coming to Westminster College, Richardson was provost and professor of communication at Berry College.  She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree summa cum laude at Shorter College and a Master of Arts and doctoral degree from the University of Georgia.  

The College will launch a national search for its 16th president this fall.  

More Stories