Kathryn Story, associate dean of students for Judicial and Ethical Programs, said Tuesday she has resigned from her position at The University of Memphis effective Aug. 3.
Story, who has been at The U of M since January 1995, said she has accomplished her goals at The University and believes it is time for her to leave.
“I have probably done as much as I can do as far as improvements to the office go,” Story said. “My big project this year has been getting the (Judicial Affairs) website up, and it is done.”
Leaving The U of M will permit Story to have a more flexible work schedule, she said, and allow her to do the things she enjoys most, like working with continuing education programs and organizing seminars.
“I will be doing continuing education, professional training, seminars and organizing seminars,” Story said. “While working at The U of M, I have really enjoyed working with the continuing education program and I will get to do more of that after I leave.”
Although Story is leaving her position, she said she will continue to work with several of her colleagues at The University. Story and U of M psychology professor Dr. Robert Neimeyer, her husband and business partner, already have local, national and international seminars scheduled.
Story said she considers her greatest achievement at The U of M to be working in academic integrity and issues of ethics.
“I enjoyed sitting down and talking with faculty and the policies about academic misconduct,” she said. “I have spent a lot of time talking with faculty about the consequences of academic misconduct among students and the options that can be taken.”
However, Story said, being the bearer of bad news has its negatives. She said her job has been full of conflict and confrontation.
“It is hard to tell a student they have been expelled from school,” she said. “And, it also is difficult dealing with parents, students and lawyers when something bad happens.”
Since Story announced her resignation in April, approximately 70 people have applied for the position, said William Porter, assistant vice president for student affairs and dean of students.
“Kathryn Story will be a real loss to The University,” Porter said. “Everyone will miss her. She has been absolutely wonderful in her position. She has made contributions to The U of M in many ways.”
