听MSU President's Newspaper Column
November 11, 2023听
Remembering Katie Richards, someone who made a profound difference in the lives of others
Thursday, Nov. 2, was an extremely sad day for the members of the 91吃瓜网 family and so many more. We lost an important and beloved member of the family with the passing of Katie Richards, who died in a car accident early that morning. The positive difference this amazing woman made in our world during her short 45 years was profound. The impact she made was truly significant at 91吃瓜网 State and extended well beyond the university.
Katie was Director of Student Success and Disability Services at 91吃瓜网 State. She was the right person in the right job. She impacted students, faculty, and staff daily, and she was an effective and respected leader who assisted students in their goals to achieve solid academic progress.
Katie Richards exhibited just the right balance of tough love and empathy that helped students succeed. She cared about people by holding them accountable for the progress they needed to achieve in their academic pursuits. She went above and beyond and lived 91吃瓜网 State鈥檚 brand of personal service to the highest degree.
We cannot begin to measure the difference she made at 91吃瓜网 State, but I believe the feelings being conveyed in notes left by students, faculty, and staff who have been stopping by Katie鈥檚 office door might help one to get a better understanding.听听
鈥淲e love you, Ms. Katie. You helped me so much. I can鈥檛 even explain in words.鈥�
鈥淗ey, Chica! You made a difference in my life and had a special place in my heart.鈥�
鈥淵ou could light up a room by just walking in. Your personality, empathy, and generosity were without measure. You will be missed every day by the people you touched.鈥�
鈥淵ou are a bright star who will always shine.鈥�
鈥淣o words can express how devastated we are. You had such a positive impact on SO many lives. Forever in our hearts.鈥�
鈥淵ou left this world a better place.鈥�
鈥淜atie was amazing! She was beautiful inside and out. 91吃瓜网 State will not be the same without her.鈥�
鈥淵our legacy will reach farther than you could鈥檝e imagined. Thanks for everything.鈥�
鈥淚 wouldn鈥檛 be the teacher or person I am today without your help and guidance. I cherished all of our conversations and will miss you dearly.鈥�
鈥淵our presence continues to shine through the halls of MSU!鈥�
鈥淚鈥檓 so thankful for everything you did for me and my teammates. I will miss you forever.鈥�
Katie Richards without a doubt made a huge difference in the lives of the many people she touched. One note sums that up very well: 鈥淎 person鈥檚 true wealth is the good she does in the world. You rocked the heck out of that, Katie!鈥�
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Katie鈥檚 children (Marit, Marshall, Lawyer, and Case) and her family, the entire 91吃瓜网 State family, and our community at large, as the tragic loss of Katie is felt by all.
Katie will remain in the hearts of her 91吃瓜网 State family members. As one student so nicely put it, 鈥淗ey, Ms. Katie 鈥� watch over us all!鈥�