Kathy W. Humphrey, Ph.D., vice president of student development, overseer of numerous Saint Louis University organizations and professional student advocate, has parted with her responsibilities at Saint Louis University. Effective July 1, Humphrey assumed the position of vice provost and dean of students at the University of Pittsburgh.

“I think that Kathy has done so many good things for the students at SLU, I hardly know where to start,” said SLU alumnus Matt Davis.

Humphrey worked at SLU for 11 years. In her first role at the University as director of the Department of Housing and Residence Life, she managed organization of SLU’s residence halls, working hard to form the role of Resident Advisors. She also contributed to the construction of the Village Apartments.

Another specific and concrete product of her work at SLU is the Busch Student Center, which Humphrey developed in collaboration with the Student Government Association and other student groups.

“Kathy was the epitome of a student advocate. She was always willing to listen to students’ input, and you could tell that she valued what we had to say,” alumnus and former SGA member, Chris Clark, remarked.

 “Kathy did a superb job working in all forms and all levels of student life,” said Fr. Biondi, in a recent interview.

As vice president, Humphrey administrated many of the University’s functions. Campus ministry, Career Services, health and counseling, campus recreation, community outreach, residence life, student life, and student facilities, the University bookstore and dining services all reported to her. Yet, in Humphrey’s words, her primary job was to “act as conduit between students and administration…and do it in a way that would move both sides forward.”

“Making students understand the administration and the administration understand the students wasn’t easy all the time,” said Humphrey.

SLU students appreciated Humphrey’s effort to communicate their perspective. In 1999, they officially realized her efforts by awarding her the University’s Mary Bruemmer Award.

“The Bruemmer Award is very special to me because it was an award that students give to administration who listen to and represent them,” said Humphrey. Though not always popular because of the decisions her job required her to make, Humphrey pointed out that students still saw her as someone who would listen to them.

Humphrey immersed herself in campus life and was exceptional as an administrator in her dealings with students. In a recent article in The Pitt News, the University of Pittsburgh’s student newspaper, Student Government Board president Brian Kelly commends Humphrey’s weekly attendance at SLU SGA meetings—surprising to Pitt students, though normal at SLU.

Humphrey received an abundance of other honors while at SLU, from students and administrators alike: SLU’s Woman of the Year (2002), the William B. Sweet Distinguished Service (2004) and Foundation of Excellence (2004), most recently.

 The International Student Federation even named their award for support of diversity at the University the “Kathy W. Humphrey Award.” Diversity at SLU was important to Humphrey. “It is important that we come together as a community and respect each other as individuals and learn the wonderfulness of our differences,” she said.

“It is very unfortunate that Kathy has left us, but I know that the legacy she left behind and the people that are fulfilling her duties,” said Davis.

For now, John Baworowsky, vice president of enrollment and academic services, will execute many of Humphrey’s former administrative duties at SLU; Phil Lyons has also been delegated some of her responsibilities. A committee has been formed to find Humphrey’s replacement.

To fill her role as student advocate, Humphrey says that Baworowsky will act as conduit, as she did. She says that Phil Lyons and Donna Bess have always been administrators that students trust. SLU professors all speak for their students, she says.

“There will always be someone there.”

As for Humphrey, she is adjusting to her new home and position. Her husband and twin sons have settled in Pittsburgh (her husband closed his restaurant “Big Papa’s” in St. Louis). While she says that she knew no one when she arrived, students and faculty alike are already giving her compliments.

“Nothing is ever static in this environment,” Humphrey told The Pitt News. “You are always a student. If you don’t make those adjustments, you become part of the institution. You have to be flexible. You have to be astute.”

At the end of a recent phone interview with Humphrey, Humphrey asked the author of this article to teach the University the song she sung at so many years of freshman orientation. For one final chorus (as this seems to be the best way to teach the most people):

I’m so glad I go to SLU, SLU, SLU

I’m so glad I go to SLU; I’ll keep on moving, keep on moving,

Moving to graduation day

Hey hey.