Kauper transitions to associate vice president for student life

Cornell College is proud to announce the hire of Kate Kauper as the college’s new associate vice president for student life and dean of students. 

Kauper is a familiar face on campus, serving as a professor in the Education Department since 2010 and as an associate dean for academic affairs for the past three years. 

Kauper will oversee all aspects of student life, including disability services, health and wellbeing, campus safety, New Student Orientation, Intercultural Life, Title IX compliance, Residence Life, Spiritual Life, and the management of the Thomas Commons. 

“The staff in Student Life are amazing people, and they all work to create a vibrant and engaged campus. I’m excited to be part of that and partner with them in their goals,” Kauper said.

As an educator who taught social studies in middle and high school before getting her Ph.D. in Education from the University of Iowa, she always enjoys engaging and uplifting students.

“During college, they are at the stage of their development where they are cultivating their identities and seeing themselves as citizens of the world. Much of that will come through the experiences and opportunities they receive on our campus. It’s powerful to be a part of this momentous period in their lives, and I look forward to guiding them through opportunities that will lead them to success beyond college,” Kauper said.

Vice President for Student Life John Harp is thrilled to welcome Kauper to the team. He says she is an established leader and respected educator at Cornell with a growth mindset and a great sense of humor.

“Kate is always approachable to everyone. She embraces Cornell’s mission of mentoring and guiding students inside and outside the classroom and always advocates for equity,” Harp said. “She’s the type of person who runs toward a challenge, is calm under pressure, and exudes confidence in accomplishing goals. I know our team and the students of Cornell will greatly benefit from her leadership and dedication.”

Kauper describes herself as an educator “through and through,” always viewing education holistically. For her, it’s about the classes as well as the prior learning experiences students bring to campus. She emphasizes that she will be here for students as their number one advocate.

“I want students to understand that the diversity of our campus is something I value and will enhance in all the ways that I can. I also want them to know that the inclusion of varied voices on campus and adhering to equitable practices is important to me. I’m here to support our students in the three distinct and overlapping spheres of diversity, equity, and inclusion. I strive to sustain an environment where our students know that they matter and that they belong here on the Hilltop.”

Kauper took on her new role on July 1, 2024.