March 29, 2024

Southwestern announces dean of student services

Southwestern Community College (SWCC) announced Kim Bishop will be the college’s next dean of student services. She will begin overseeing the student services department on Aug. 20, just in time for the start of the fall 2019 semester Aug. 28 at SWCC.

Bishop comes to SWCC from the University of Missouri where she has been employed in the college’s department of athletics for the past 17 years. Most recently, she served in the role of associate athletic director for student athlete development and was a member of Mizzou’s executive and senior management team.

Bishop comes to SWCC with a wealth of expertise in student development and has a self-stated passion for creating a phenomenal student experience.

“Every department and staff member is crucial to the student experience, so I encourage my staff to serve and go above and beyond for each student,” Bishop said. “I will bring this philosophy to Southwestern and do my best to ensure each student, whether transferring to a four-year institution, completing a career and technical education program, or taking courses as an adult and continuing education learner, feels his or her individual needs are taken care of respectfully and in a timely manner.”

While employed at the University of Missouri, Bishop worked her way through the ranks, also serving in the roles of assistant athletic director for student athlete development; director of student athlete development and academic coordinator – her first full-time position at Mizzou. Prior to that, from July 2002 to December 2003, she was a graduate assistant with the department.

Dr. Barb Crittenden, SWCC president, said the college feels fortunate to have found a candidate with such a strong background and experience in education.

“Kim’s energy and passion for education, coupled with her extensive experience in athletics and student development, impressed the search committee,” Crittenden said. “We are excited we’ll be able to have her here to welcome students to campus this fall.”

Bishop earned her Master of Arts in higher and continuing education in May 2004 and a Bachelor of Arts in communication in May 2001, both from the University of Missouri.

She will be moving with her family—husband, Shane; sons, Tyler, 13, and Maverick, 1— to the Mount Ayr area in early August.