MEDIA RELEASE__Christine Denecker, Ph.D., a Bluffton resident, has been appointed as the University of Findlay’s vice president of academic affairs, effective January 1. 

Denecker has served as interim vice president since August 1. She succeeds Darin Fields, Ph.D., who served for 12 years in the role. He remains at UF as an English professor and assists in the institutional research office on University-wide initiatives, including academic program review.  

President Katherine Fell, Ph.D., praised Denecker’s breadth of experience at UF and her service ensuring that Oiler students are equipped for meaningful lives and productive careers.

“There is a long legacy of the value of a University of Findlay education,” President Fell noted. “As the University continues to respond to current workforce needs, I am confident that Dr. Denecker will uphold the high quality and performance of our undergraduate, graduate, and professional academic programs.”

Denecker previously served as an English professor and as associate vice president for learning and innovation. Her current duties include overseeing the University’s Center for Teaching Excellence and its College Credit Plus (CCP) program, which has grown into the largest private dual enrollment program in Ohio with more than 2,000 students. 

In her 22 years on campus, she earned the rank of professor; taught undergraduate and graduate courses in English, rhetoric, and education; served as department chair; guided campus assessment efforts; helped foster the culture of teaching and learning by crafting and facilitating in-house professional development; and contributed to general education reform.

“UF has been my home for more than two decades, and there is good reason for that,” Denecker said. “I believe in its mission and values—but more importantly, I am inspired by its people: those I work alongside and those I’ve had the privilege to teach. I am proud to be an Oiler and excited to serve in a new role where I can help plant the seeds of UF’s future.”

This fall, the academic affairs office launched planning around five strategic pillars: mission and vision, holistic learning, academic offerings, external reach, and community integration. Denecker’s additional priorities include developing the Watterson Scholars Program, creating general education pathways that complement majors, and developing certificates as well as microcredentials in collaboration with local businesses to meet their workforce needs.