by Maren Ewertz–Terri Curry, Vice President for Student Life and Enrollment at Morningside University, has been a well known and integral force for Morningside for nearly four decades.
Curry has dedicated 39 years to Morningside. When Curry was interviewed recently, she touched on her motivation to pursue a career in academia, revealing that her graduate school advisor suggested Morningside as a suitable fit, foreseeing her strength in student life working with young adults aged 18-22.
Curry’s tenure at Morningside is marked by numerous achievements, including increasing enrollment from 770 to 1,200, transitioning from the NAIA to the NCAA, and leading the renovation of Dimmitt Hall. She emphasized her dedication to student success and expressed pride in initiatives such as the Connie Wimer Women’s Leadership Group and the renovation of Olsen Stadium.
Asked about lessons learned throughout her career, Curry emphasized the importance of listening, observing, and surrounding oneself with intelligent colleagues. She also stressed the value of giving credit where it’s due.
Curry has been actively involved in mentorship, particularly with the women’s leadership group, and believes in being a mentor every day as a vice president, especially as one of the few female VPs at Morningside.
As Curry prepares for retirement, she plans to work part-time, enjoy leisure activities like reading and biking with friends, and spend quality time with her husband, friends, and grandchildren. Her retirement goals include slowing down and appreciating each day.
Asked how she would like to be remembered, Curry expressed her desire to be seen as someone who always prioritized others, listened attentively, and provided honest and caring support.
Her legacy at Morningside is one she hopes reflects her commitment to leaving the Morningside campus better than she found it and being a cheerleader for all students and colleagues.
Curry shared fond memories of Christmas at Morningside, Hanging of the Greens, Into the Streets, and attending student events. She highlighted her love for the university’s traditions and sense of community.
Asked if she had an anecdote about her time at Morningside, she said, “One year for the Homecoming talent show I approved a group to have a pygmy pig [mini pig] to be a part of their act… needless to say the ‘pig’ escaped and ran around the stage. The pig got so scared that it urinated on the stage and we had to refinish the entire stage.”
Offering advice to her younger self, Curry urged to appreciate the gifts of those around her and to not be in a hurry.
Finally, Curry’s impact on Morningside’s growth and development is evident through her efforts in increasing enrollment, improving retention, and supporting academic affairs in developing new majors.
As Terri Curry settles into her retired life, she will be remembered by all students and staff for what she has accomplished on the Morningside campus.
She recently had her retirement party where there was a line out the door to give her hugs. Terri Curry will be the 2024 graduation commencement speaker. At her retirement party, she was also told she would be getting an honorary degree.
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