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Kimberly Sluis resigns after 14 years at NCC: Q&A

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By on Campus, News
Sluis
Kimberly Sluis at '10 Premier Scholars reunion

Kimberly Sluis, vice president for Student Affairs and Strategic Initiatives, has been working at NCC for more than 14 years and even graduated from NCC in 1999. In addition, she co-chairs the College’s COVID-19 Institutional Response Team and worked with her team to prepare the campus for students, staff and faculty to return safely. Now, Sluis has decided to move on to the next stage in her career and is resigning from NCC.

Sabha Fatima: What drew you to this college? What are some of your favorite memories at NCC?

Kimberly Sluis: I was recently returned from Peace Corps Service in Ghana, West Africa, and working at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago when a former faculty member/mentor called to tell me about an opening at North Central College. Shortly thereafter I applied for the job (Director of Residence Life) and moved to Naperville. Funny story: I was in Brazil with a group of students traveling on a short term study abroad course when I received the job offer from North Central.

SF: What is your role at NCC regarding the COVID-19 task force this year?

KS: I have been leading the College’s COVID-19 Institutional Response team since February when it initially formed. The team has grown in size and scope since then and Dr. Peter Barger came on as co-chair in May. It has been an honor to collaborate with this interdisciplinary team of folks to address the COVID-19 pandemic and work to put into place policies, protocols and a strategy for keeping the campus as safe and healthy as possible.

SF: What made you decide to resign at this time?

KS: I’ve been at the College for a very long time (14+ years working and another 4 as an undergraduate student). I’m incredibly grateful for what I have learned and the many, many ways that faculty, staff, trustees and students have enriched my life. I decided in the Spring, after much consideration, that I am ready to take on the next challenge. I’ll be forever grateful for North Central for helping me gain the skills and confidence to take on whatever comes next.

SF: Do you have any advice for students/staff at NCC? Any last words of wisdom?
KS: Yesterday afternoon the College hosted a virtual send-off event. It was a wonderful opportunity for me to see colleagues and friends (if virtually), reflect on my time at the College and to express my gratitude. I shared during that event the following:
A dear and wise friend of mine recently hosted a virtual community gathering for the school where she works. During this event, she shared that she’s been guided in recent years by the word “hope.” She also encouraged everyone to think of a word that can guide them through this particular time in life. I’ve decided that my word for this time is courage. I share it with you in hopes it might resonate for you as you navigate your own lives and all of the opportunities and challenges that this season offers.
When I think of courage, I think of it both in terms of having the strength and conviction, despite fear, to do the right thing—objectively, ethically, acting with integrity. I also think of it as having the courage to do the right thing for you—again, despite fear, and even when that thing may not be what others would choose for you. My parting wish is that you—that we—may embrace both of these types of courage in the days, weeks and months ahead.
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