Katie Storey is on her second stint at Trinity University; first, as a member of the Residential Life staff and now the young alumni and student programs coordinator in Alumni Relations. In both roles and in any future job she may hold, Storey loves helping others. Her goal in the Alumni Relations Office is to create a culture which recognizes the gifts that students develop at Trinity and carry into their lives after graduating and becoming alumni. After all, she says, “Once a Trinity Tiger, always a Trinity Tiger.”
Please share some of your background.
Originally from Ingram, Texas, I earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and a master’s of education in counseling with an emphasis in student affairs from Texas State University. I joined the Trinity team in 2004 as a residential life coordinator. After about two and a half years, I was promoted to assistant director for residential education and served in that role through December 2009. While nothing could top the memory of bringing our first son, Cason, home to his nursery in Thomas Hall, a close second is a collection of memories with my resident mentor staff. I was, and still am, humbled by the talent and passion of our students.
How did you get involved in your career?
While serving as a resident assistant in my undergraduate program I enjoyed supporting and encouraging other people. My supervisor at the time encouraged me to consider a career in higher education administration and sent me to a professional conference for housing professionals in our region called SWACUHO. I attended the job fair and met with Matt Keidan ’02 and Lauren Johnson Eastburn ’02, who were interviewing for a residential life coordinator at Trinity. The rest is history.
What do you hope to bring to Trinity in your new role?
It is my goal to work with students and other departments on campus to create a culture which recognizes the gifts our alumni continue to share with us. Once that awareness exists, our students will be able to see and utilize the incredible support available to them upon graduation, including the engaged alumni network and other support the University offers. Once you are a Trinity Tiger, you are always a Trinity Tiger! You can continue to come and be part of what happens here. You can find meaningful ways to pay it forward to the students that come after you. That is the special kind of experience only tight communities like Trinity are able to offer.
Is there something you will do differently as a second-time Trinity employee?
I feel as if I did not take full advantage of the staff employee benefit to enroll in one course each semester. I look forward to enjoying some classes and getting to know students from that perspective.
Describe Trinity in 3-5 words.
Full of dedicated, caring, innovative people. I cheated, it was six. But the truth is, that is the best description I can give of the students, faculty, and staff on campus.
What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?
I enjoy working with and helping people. If I were to attempt another career helping others would be a necessary component, so maybe a life coach or parent educator.
What sound do you love? The sound you hate?
I love the sound of children laughing. I know it is a bit cliché but I really love it. A sound that I cannot stand is loud chewing, any unnecessary mouth noise really.
What is your favorite color and why?
My favorite color is gray because it is unassuming, laid back, and it goes along with any other color. Gray is happy being in the background and helping other colors stand out.
If you were reincarnated as some other animal or plant, what would it be and why?
I would want to come back as an African elephant. I have always felt a strange connection with elephants. I love that they live in a family structure, that they are social and playful.
Where would you like to retire?
San Antonio! I enjoy being in a city that is full of life and change. If I am lucky, maybe also have a weekend house in the Texas Hill Country.
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