Leading a Legacy into the Future: Katherine Rowe on Tradition, Innovation, and Going Big

How do you go big at a university that’s over 300 years old? For Katherine Rowe, the 28th—and first woman—President of William & Mary, the answer lies in honoring tradition while boldly embracing change.

In this episode of Going Big!, host Kevin Gentry sits down with President Rowe to explore how one of America’s most historic universities is preparing students not for the world as it is—but for the world that’s coming. From reopening during the pandemic to launching a school of computing and coastal sciences, President Rowe shares how bold leadership, deep listening, and strategic vision are guiding William & Mary into the future.

She explains how liberal arts education can thrive in a tech-driven world, why listening is a foundational leadership tool, and how embracing instability often reveals the biggest opportunities to lead.

Whether you're a student, leader, educator, or simply someone navigating change, this conversation is a masterclass in going big—with purpose, with values, and with clarity about the kind of future we want to build.