Rogers State University has named Katy Launius as the new Director of Student Development following a nationwide search. She will start at RSU on May 26.
Launius served for four years at Carroll University in Waukesha, Wis., where she fostered community partnerships, developed campus programming and provided students with service opportunities. During her time at the school, volunteer engagement increased from 1,250 volunteer hours to more than 8,000 volunteer hours annually.
At RSU, Launius will serve as a key liaison for community service and service learning opportunities as well as for diversity education. She will also direct specialized programming focused on student enrichment and serve as the student conduct officer.
“I am very excited to be joining the RSU family,” Launius said. ‘I look forward to learning more about the Claremore and northeastern Oklahoma community and finding ways for students to give back to the community.”
Dr. Brent Marsh, vice president for student affairs at RSU, said Launius’ experience in civic engagement will help connect RSU students with the community in new and meaningful ways.
“Katy brings significant experience in student development and community engagement,” Marsh said. “She will be an excellent fit for implementing and managing programs that help our students grow strong both as students and as citizens.”
Launius joined Carroll in July 2010 through the AmeriCorps*VISTA program. At Carroll, she facilitated project planning, served as the Volunteer Center Coordinator and chaired the Volunteer Center Advisory Board. In July 2012, she began working as Carroll’s assistant director of student activities. In addition to her civic engagement responsibilities, Launius also coordinated campus programming, designed interventions and support for at-risk students, and served as the campus Greek life advisor.
Launius earned both a bachelor degree in religious studies and a master’s degree in education from Carroll. Her master’s thesis focused on what motivates students to volunteer regularly with an organization as well as potential barriers to volunteerism. Launius’ parents are Rev. Dr. Tom and Teri Launius of Claremore.