Mary Catherine Kennedy
Mary Catherine Kennedy is an accomplished educator and lifelong learner committed to guiding students and young adults in discovering their personal and professional paths. She currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Instruction at Ohio University’s College of Business, where she teaches Management, Business Communication, and Marketing as part of an Integrated Business Cluster. Mary Catherine earned her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Mass Communication/Media Studies from Ohio University and expanded her academic perspective through study abroad programs in Italy, Austria, and Germany in 2006, focusing on ethics and intercultural communication.
With extensive experience working alongside the Catholic Church, Mary Catherine has engaged with learners across Pre-K through 12th grade as well as adult education. As Coordinator of Religious Education for the Athens Catholic Community, she oversees curriculum development, coordinates Confirmation and First Communion programs, and leads multiple volunteer teams across parishes. Her work emphasizes mentorship, leadership development, and ethical guidance, supporting the holistic growth of students and community members alike.
Mary Catherine is a skilled communicator with expertise in writing, public speaking, social media, and leadership. Her research and publications examine the intersection of religion and digital media, exploring how technology influences human connection and institutional communication. Outside of her professional and academic pursuits, she enjoys traveling, running, hiking, and staying active, embracing experiences that enhance both personal growth and professional insight.
• Ohio University - PhD
• Ohio University - MA
• College of Charleston - BA
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the strong foundation of the Church, my faith, and the meaningful connections I have built throughout my personal and professional journey. These guiding principles have provided me with resilience, purpose, and a network of support that continually inspires growth, learning, and the ability to positively impact the lives of others.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to have the courage to take risks. Embracing new challenges and stepping outside of my comfort zone has allowed me to grow professionally, explore new opportunities, and achieve goals I might not have thought possible.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my field is to be confident in your abilities and trust your expertise. Don’t let imposter syndrome hold you back your skills, perspective, and contributions are valuable, and embracing them fully will empower you to succeed and make a meaningful impact.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field today is addressing the needs of learners whose education was disrupted due to COVID-19. At the same time, this presents an opportunity to reimagine teaching approaches, incorporate flexible and innovative learning strategies, and provide personalized support that helps students rebuild confidence and thrive in an evolving educational landscape.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are authenticity, reliability, trustworthiness, and practicality. I strive to approach every interaction and decision with honesty and integrity, ensuring that I am dependable, transparent, and focused on solutions that are both meaningful and achievable.