William E. Kerstetter (1913–1996) was president of DePauw University and earlier of Simpson College.
The main buildings constructed at DePauw during Kerstetter's tenure were the women's upper class dormitory known as Hogate Hall and the science building which in 1982 was named the Julian Science and Mathematics Center after DePauw alumni Percy L. Julian.
At a time when heightened awareness of civil rights and resistance to the war in Vietnam were beginning to manifest themselves on campus Kerstetter withdrew more and more from contact with students.
In 1967, peaceful demonstrations on campus began in earnest and a large sit-in was staged on the President's residence.
In 1975, Kerstetter resigned as president of DePauw but was appointed Chancellor of the University with responsibility almost exclusively in the matter of fundraising.