Feb. 28 — Kady Shea, Hampshire College’s new Senior Director of Community Care & Wellbeing, started at the college on February 17th, replacing Kris-Nolan Parker (KNP) who left at the beginning of the spring semester.
Shea was previously a Residence Life Specialist at Bridgewater University in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. She has a Master’s of Education in Higher Education from Loyola University Chicago, and will be completing a certificate in Mental Health in Higher Education from Harvard University by the end of April.
Shea told Leapfrog “I’m thrilled to be at Hampshire and to get to know the student community,” and said she sees the focus of her role as “supporting students in ways that help them feel connected, empowered, and able to thrive in college and beyond,” adding that this means “maintaining a strong community where students look out for each other, uphold shared values, and ensure our spaces remain safe and where all students belong.”
Shea also added that she welcomes student feedback, and would “love to hear what matters most to students and how [she] can help make campus life even better.”
Outside of work specific activities, Shea said she enjoys hiking, kayaking, apple picking, volleyball, kickball, and attending student events and performances.
In announcing her hiring, Senior Vice President for Justice, Equity, and Antiracism, Sheila Lloyd said Shea “brings warmth, energy, and a positivity that uplifts and inspires. Her vision and bold ideas for building a holistic, responsive, and inclusive model of community care will undoubtedly strengthen our work in fostering student wellbeing at Hampshire.”
Vice President Lloyd also thanked the members of the search committee that hired Shea: Assistant Director of Campus Safety and Wellbeing, Lori Bouchard; Assistant Director of Housing Operations, Robert Gordon; and students Libby Harrity, F23; and Sadie Gurley, F23.
REVIEWED BY: Ryan Nivus, Axen Wetzel, Verne Gulley
