Graduate Dean Susan Koch Bids Farewell

Message From Dean Koch

How Lucky I Am ....

Dear Graduate Students,

There is a wonderful line from "Annie," my oldest daughter's favorite childhood movie.  It goes: "How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." In a very few words, that pretty much expresses much of how I feel about leaving my position as your Graduate Dean and moving on this summer to become Provost at Northern Michigan University.

Saying goodbye is hard in part because it has been so satisfying to see the way that graduate students, especially members of the Graduate Student Advisory Board, have "stepped up" to start playing the central role in creating a more visible and vibrant graduate community here at UNI. If you are one of those students,  I want you to know that I greatly appreciate your contributions.

Saying goodbye is hard in part because it has been such a privilege to know so many of you personally and to watch you achieve so many important intellectual and professional goals during your graduate studies. If you are one of those students, I wish you all the best as you move on, as I know you will, to even more challenges, achievements and discoveries. 

Saying goodbye is hard in part because it has been truly gratifying to work closely every day with graduate students, graduate faculty and staff. If you are among them, I want you to know that your work is important and valued. Because of you, I have memories of our work together that I will carry with me throughout my career and, because of you, I am very lucky that I have something that makes saying goodbye hard indeed.

All the best, 

Susan Koch
UNI Graduate Dean

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May Graduation Reception

All graduate students are invited to bid Dean Koch farewell at the May Graduation Reception this Friday, May 4 (see cover article for more details).

 

Dean Koch Will Be Missed by Graduate Students

As dean of the UNI Graduate College and UNI faculty member since 1983, Susan Koch has made a difference at the university and in the lives of many students.

This summer she will begin a new position as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Northern Michigan University. Members of the Graduate Student Advisory Board remember her dedication and celebrate her accomplishments.

“Dean Koch has been one of the most approachable administrators I have known. I have greatly appreciated her leadership and dedication to building a graduate community. She encouraged me to become a more active and visible participant in the increasingly diverse community here at UNI."

- Janet Story Sauer, Doctoral Candidate
Special Education

“Dean Koch has been an excellent supervisor during my assistantship with the Graduate College. She truly cares about graduate education at UNI and is dedicated to enhancing opportunities for graduate students and creating a graduate community."

- Katie Kuker, Graduate Student Industrial/Organizational Psychology

“Dean Koch has been a great mentor to me and someone I definitely look up to. She has been able to have a great family and work her way up professionally, something I hope I can do someday! I will miss her a lot!”

- Jenny Connolly, Graduate Student
Postsecondary Education: Student Affairs

“Dean Koch’s enthusiasm for graduate education is an inspiration. She has implemented new programs and encouraged graduate students to become more involved in what happens at the university. She has made strides in making the graduate program more visible and her actions have made a difference. I know she will excel at UNM and wish her all the best!”

- Christine Bennett, Graduate Student
Social Psychology