Kuis sees Waynesburg as second home

Home can be found in many different places and people. To many students and staff on Waynesburg’s campus, home is found in Debbie Kuis, secretary to the Office of Admissions.

Kuis has worked at Waynesburg University for nearly 21 years. She first started working in Student Services before making the transition to secretary. Kuis’s tasks can vary, depending on what time of the school year it is, but usually include arranging prospective student visits and working registration at visitation days.

“It’s always nice to talk with the families who visit,” said Kuis. “It’s easier to talk to people because they know it’s a Christian school.”

Her work helps the Office of Admissions keep moving, but her loving and caring personality has greatly impacted those who work alongside Kuis.

Bob Barnhart, an admissions counselor, finds Kuis to be an incredible co-worker and friend. “She means a lot to me because she’s a calm presence in the office,” said Barnhart. “She doesn’t get rattled, and you can literally tell her anything that’s on your mind; that means a ton to me, because I have a lot of stuff on my mind.”

Senior Associate Director of Admissions Renee McElligott has known Kuis as long as she has worked here and believes Kuis plays a much larger role in the university beyond secretary to the Office of Admissions.

“I think she’s the true reflection of what Waynesburg University is,” said McElligott.

According to Barnhart, Kuis brings a warm and lighthearted presence to the office on even some of the gloomiest days.

“She keeps the mood kind of lightened in the office sometimes when it would otherwise be somewhat tense,” said Barnhart. “She can usually inject some humor into the situation.”

Many students naturally gravitate towards Kuis because of her loving and caring personality.

“You know where the students are if you can’t find them; they’re with Debbie,” said McElligott.

Kristen Friday, a student ambassador in the Office of Admissions, sees Kuis as a grandmotherly figure and someone she can go to in times of greatness and sadness.

“She’s the one you go to for a hug, Band-Aid, cough drop, coffee or snack,” said Friday. “She is always willing to listen to whatever is on your mind or heart.”

To Janelle Chuah, a student ambassador in the Office of Admissions, Kuis has significantly impacted her life outside of work. Due to Chua’s family being back home in Malaysia, she cannot travel home frequently.

“My fondest memory of Debbie was when she arranged a birthday party for me on my 18th birthday,” said Chuah. “She knew I was away from family and wanted to be there for me.”

Ultimately, Kuis believes Waynesburg University is a wonderful place to work.

“I think it gives me a good feeling that I’m working in a good place with good people and good relationships,” said Kuis. “You feel at home here.”

As students and staff come and go, Kuis hopes to leave an impact on them that goes deeper and beyond her work.

“I would just hope that everyone I meet would get a good feeling and a good experience while I am here.”