KATE MCGORMLEY NAMED FIRST DON WEATHERSBE AWARD RECIPIENT
At Ivy Tech Indianapolis’ 2025 Fall Convocation, Kate McGormley, executive director of academic advising, was named the first-ever recipient of the Don Weathersbe Award, honoring the late vice chancellor’s legacy of humility, servant leadership, and passion for students. Surprised by the announcement, McGormley was met with a standing ovation from her team—an emotional moment after the Advising Center had faced the loss of a colleague. Known for her student-first philosophy, encouragement of staff, and dedication to building community, McGormley sees the award as both humbling and validating. With the $1,000 award funds, she hopes to strengthen the New Student Advising and Orientation experience, continuing Don’s legacy by ensuring every student feels welcome, supported, and believed in from the start of their Ivy Tech journey.
When the Ivy Tech Indianapolis community gathered for Fall Convocation this past August, the advising team was still reeling from the sudden passing of a beloved colleague earlier in the summer. The loss was devastating, but it also revealed just how strong the team’s bonds had become. That revelation came into sharp focus when Kate McGormley, executive director of advising, was named the inaugural recipient of the newly created Don Weathersbe Award.
As her name was called, the entire advising team stood to their feet, applauding and cheering for their leader. For McGormley, the moment was overwhelming. Partially because she had no idea she had even been nominated, much less won. And partially because she always knew this was what she wanted and liked to do – work in higher education helping students and the people around her – but for others to see it, and say she’s actually good at it, was all the more validating for her.
“I felt very humbled because I was sitting in a room full of people who work really hard for students and are really strong leaders. But to see my team of advisors stand up like that—that was the best part. I just felt so supported,” McGormley said of the moment her name was announced by Chancellor Stacy Atkinson.
KATE'S LEADERSHIP STYLE & PHILOSOPHY
Colleagues and advisors alike describe McGormley as student-focused, approachable, and encouraging. She credits much of her leadership style to her parents—her mother, a community college professor, and her father, a school superintendent—as well as her husband of 22 years. Together, they instilled in her the conviction that meaningful work is work that makes a positive impact on people’s lives.
“My parents taught me to find work that matters. Not the flashiest job, but the one you want to get up and do every day because it impacts people’s lives,” McGormley said. “They both loved their work, and I think that love and purpose stayed with me. My husband and parents both taught me that good leadership is about being supportive, consistent, and willing to listen.”
That same sense of purpose has been deepened by her two sons, 14 and 17, who she describes as her greatest teachers.
After working for years at Michigan State University (MSU), McGormley took a five-year break to stay home with them when her family moved to Indiana. A break from her career that she initially never expected to take, but now calls one of the most formative seasons of her life.
“I didn’t think I’d ever take that kind of break. I loved the work I do, and didn’t see myself as a stay-at-home mom. It started as a ‘oh I’m just going to take a little break’ … and then, you know, I ended up taking five years,” McGormley chuckled, continuing, “I honestly didn’t think I’d have a job like this again. But those years with my boys taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of creating culture. Even if it’s just within your own little team at home. That experience changed how I lead.”
McGormley’s natural sense of leadership began early. She laughs, recalling how she once asked for a whiteboard for Christmas so she could “teach” her imaginary students. But, of course, it was her career in higher education that refined her approach. Working in student services at MSU before coming to Ivy Tech, McGormley had mentors who showed her that leadership was not about authority, but about empathy and accountability.
That philosophy is reflected in her daily work. McGormley leads with what she calls a “glass half-full” mentality, encouraging her team to see challenges as opportunities for creativity and collaboration. She’s known for asking new advisors a simple but revealing question: “What’s your thing?”
“One of our advisors is incredible with design. So now, she designs many of the handouts and materials we use,” McGormley shared. “I think it’s important that you tie people to their strengths and passions in their everyday work. Finding out what lights people up and tying it to their work makes such a difference.”
She also fosters a culture of trust and flexibility. The Academic Advising Center’s leadership team—two Capricorns and two Scorpios, as she likes to joke—is a balance of personalities that has become one of the most cohesive units on campus. McGormley credits the center’s strong culture to that collaboration.
“You can have people you look up to, but you also need teams you feel connected to—people you want to come and spend your day with. I feel that here every day,” she said.
Under her leadership, the Advising Center has become known for its positive energy even during its busiest times of the year. From late nights during enrollment to last-minute student walk-ins, McGormley ensures her team always feels supported. She’s as likely to bring snacks and words of encouragement as she is to roll up her sleeves and help register students.
“I don’t see myself as above anyone. I’m here to help lift people up so they can do their best work for students.”
KATE MCGORMLEY
IMPACT ON STUDENTS & STAFF
The nomination letters submitted for McGormley painted a consistent and heartfelt picture of a leader who brings out the best in others. Her colleagues spoke of her tireless dedication to students and the care she extends to her team, especially during the most demanding weeks of the semester.
Sean Holder, an academic advisor, shared how McGormley helped guide the team through their busiest enrollment period with compassion and grace. Her open door, thoughtful gestures, and steady presence turned what could have been a draining season into one of shared purpose. Douglas Hammerling described her as a creative problem solver who isn’t afraid to think outside the box or collaborate across departments to make sure every student’s experience is a positive one.
Perhaps the most touching testament came from academic advisor Joo Ohk Kim, who said McGormley is the best boss she has ever had.
As the only advisor in our office who is not a native English speaker, I initially faced challenges with language barriers and cultural differences when I started in 2023. Honestly, without Kate’s guidance and support, I would not be in the position I am today—enjoying my work and growing as a better advisor every day.
Kate does an outstanding job creating an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for staff of all personalities, cultural backgrounds, and needs. She consistently encourages professional development and provides practical, actionable guidance that I can follow. Beyond that, she has become my trusted friend, someone I can turn to for support both professionally and personally.
In short, Kate is the best boss I have ever had in my career, and I am grateful for the opportunity to speak on her behalf. I hope my words are helpful for consideration for this award.
“Our students aren’t the only ones we’re helping grow. Our staff deserve that same support,” McGormley said.
CARRYING DON'S
LEGACY FORWARD
McGormley sees Don’s influence everywhere on campus.
“His legacy is alive and well at Ivy Tech. Every day, I meet people or engage with students, and I see those same values: humility, heart, and a focus on service,” she shared.
McGormley admits it isn’t always easy to keep student success at the center amid process challenges and real-world barriers like childcare, jobs, and financial strain. But for her, that focus is non-negotiable.
“Our work has to be about asking, ‘What makes the most sense for the student’s success?’ and then pushing through obstacles to make it happen,” McGormley expressed.
With her $1,000 award to invest in student success, McGormley hopes to strengthen Ivy Tech’s New Student Advising and Orientation (NSAO) experience. Plans include adding family-friendly touches like coloring books, charging stations, and refreshments. Small but meaningful supports that help students and their children or dependents feel welcome from the very start.
“It's more than 6,000 students over the course of the year that we see in NSAO, and that's just the students. There are a lot more people than that who come in with them,” McGormley said. “The NSAO is such a critical part of the student’s journey because it's their first entrance into Ivy Tech. If we can make it a little easier and a little more welcoming, that can set the tone for a student’s entire journey.”
For McGormley, motivation comes from the students she serves and the team she leads.
She beams when she talks about the advising team’s culture, which includes many celebrations, secret Santas, and small daily acts of kindness.
“Little things really do make a difference. A note on your desk, a small gesture—those are the things that keep us going,” McGormley said.
Looking ahead, she hopes her legacy will be simple but lasting.
“I hope people will say I had passion for my work and for my team, that I was supportive, that I followed through, and that I cared about every person. Because in the end, it’s always about the person first.”
KATE MCGORMLEY
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