Nazareth’s Kathryn DeVinney earns professional honors for her commitment to the health and well-being of students
For her commitment to the health and well-being of the Nazareth community, Nazareth University’s Kathryn DeVinney, assistant director of counseling services, is the 2025 recipient of the NASPA Region II Midlevel Professional Award. NASPA, the professional association for the field of higher education student affairs, presents the award to a student affairs professional with five or more years of experience who demonstrates an outstanding commitment to the profession and the needs of students.
“Kathryn DeVinney exemplifies what it means to be a leader in health and wellness. Her ability to unite people across campus, her advocacy for mental health, and her strategic leadership create a culture of care,” said Kim Harvey, Nazareth’s associate provost and dean of students. “She has left an indelible mark on Nazareth University, and her work will continue to shape the well-being of students for years to come.”
One of DeVinney’s most significant contributions to Nazareth is as a co-creator of the Well-Being Collective, an interdisciplinary team of faculty and staff from across the University. “What sets Kathryn apart is her collaborative approach to student support,” said John Rigney, assistant director of wellness outreach and education. “She works tirelessly to engage and build relationships with a wide range of campus departments, including Athletics and Residential Life, to ensure that mental health resources are accessible and responsive to the diverse needs of our student population.”
As leader of Nazareth’s counseling services, DeVinney guides a team of mental health therapists, ensuring that students receive high-quality mental health support with no waiting period. “Kathryn works to normalize mental health discussions, reducing stigma, and encouraging students to seek help when needed,” said Susan Quinn, Nazareth’s director of health and counseling services. DeVinney also created and co-leads a successful sexual assault survivors’ group for students, contributing to a healthier campus culture. She was a leader in bringing Narcan (Naloxone) training on campus, due to the increasing national concerns around opioid overdoses and substance misuse. Narcan is a life-saving medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
As an integral member of the Academic and College Success (ACS) course planning team, her insight strengthened the curriculum of Nazareth’s foundational course designed to help first-year students navigate their transition to college. She integrated mental well-being into discussions on student identity, learning approaches, and motivation. “Her expertise ensures that student mental health remains a priority in our academic programming, reinforcing the connection between personal growth and academic thriving,” said Nicole Juersivich, Nazareth’s associate dean of students.
DeVinney’s award will be celebrated at the NASPA Region II conference in Pittsburgh in June.
Contact
Julie Long | Chief PR Officer | jlong2@naz.edu | (585) 389-2456 | (585) 781-8186 (cell)
Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.
Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.
