With Commencement approaching on June 1, Spalding is publishing a series of stories and Q&A’s that highlight students from a range of degree programs who are set to graduate. Next up is Kay Vetter, who is earning the degree of Doctor of Education: Leadership (Ed.D.). She also serves as Spalding’s Executive Director of Institutional Effectiveness, overseeing matters related to the university’s accreditation and institutional compliance.
What is your favorite Spalding memory?
They day of the solar eclipse and a real sense of real community in sharing that experience with coworkers, students and families. It was a special point in time, a unique event that was made special by experiencing it with others around me. Celebration and learning came together, as was evidenced by the fun and interesting conversations I had that day.
Which accomplishments are you most proud of during your time at Spalding?
One would be leading Spalding through our last Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) regional accreditation process with fantastic outcomes.
Another would be finishing and successfully defending my doctorate last month.
What’s your favorite spot on campus?
Sitting under the arbor outside the ELC, especially when it is full of pink blossoms in the spring.
At Spalding, we like to say that, “Today is a great day to change the world.” For many of our students, Commencement is a world-changing experience. After graduation, how do you plan to change the world, big or small, and who inspires you to be a #spaldingworldchanger?
This is a really hard question to answer. The most honest answer to this question is that I will try to be the best person I can be, to challenge myself to be kind and to continue to grow and be self-reflective in terms of my actions and my words. To try and remember to bring positivity, critical thinking and fun to my job and to support my coworkers and students. In short, bring light into my world.
Who inspires me to be a world changer? Children, and their excitement at seeing the good in people and the world.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your Spalding experience?
I have been through some good times and some tough times while I have been at Spalding, and I am impressed with how resilient and creative the faculty and staff are when we are faced with challenges. There is something really special about this institution and the people and students who are a part of it. I cannot find the words to describe it, but you can feel it when you are here.