Dean of Students leaves St. Ambrose

Jan. 27, 2005
By Katie Voelliger
Staff Writer

The dean of students office at St. Ambrose will remain unoccupied for the remainder of the school year.  In early January, current dean Stan Kabat turned in his resignation. His last day with the university is on Friday, Jan. 21 to take another job as chief administrator for Lane and Waterman, a Davenport law firm.

“He was devoted to the institution, had wonderful work ethic, and was very dedicated,” said President Ed Rogalski. Rogalski went on to mention that Kabat did his own thing and set his own standards. Over time Kabat allowed the students to make their own decisions and have more responsibilities.

“Students are able to make their own decisions; they are adults,” said Kabat. “We help in giving directions and guiding [students], so [they] can grow and develop on their own.”

While working for the university, Kabat developed many friendships with both faculty and students.

“He is a good guy to talk with, even though pretty much everyone at St. Ambrose is easy to talk to,” said senior Miranda Nelp.  “Kabat knew students on a personal level. He connected with people.  It was unbelievable that he left, however he will have a great opportunity with more power now in the community.”

“Stan Kabat is one of the most amazing people I’ve ever met,” senior Sarah Ade said.  “He’s positive, kind, and very diplomatic. Stan is one of those people who really knows how to listen, and that is a divine quality in itself. He makes you feel important and whatever you have to say significant.”

Kabat made it clear he will miss St. Ambrose. “I will miss the people...faculty, staff, students,” he said.  “I enjoy the students and maintain contact with some of them for many years and become friends with some of them.  I’ve also enjoyed the diversity of people here at St. Ambrose.”

Kabat believes St. Ambrose will continue to grow in years to come. He claims there’s great leadership at St. Ambrose and expects it to expand and set new boundaries.

“I like the interactions with students, to be able to give them opportunities to grow and succeed.  I’ve seen students achieve great things in the four years and beyond,” said Kabat. He also mentioned he enjoys hearing about former students’ successes with their professional and family life.

“Being the dean is not an easy job, but he has always served the University with grace and elegance,” said Ade.  “He also had lots of experience being a student leader during his undergraduate years, which really helped inspire students at St. Ambrose. Kabat is someone who really brings the Ambrose spirit alive in all the ways he helps the students and staff at St. Ambrose.”  Ade said she doesn’t know many universities where students have an open relationship with the dean of students.

The position is expected to remain vacant until July 1, but vice president of enrollment management and student services, Jamie Loftus, will undertake the responsibilities in the interim.

“We’re going to miss him,” said Rogalski.  “He’s been here for seventeen and a half years and he is relatively young.  He gave himself generously to St. Ambrose and his students.”

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