Dr. Kimberly Saunders began serving as the Assistant Dean of Admissions at the School of Social Work in July of 2016. She was no stranger to some faculty who knew her when she was the Director of the Student Diversity Office at John Hopkins. Dr. Saunders was viewed as a faithful woman, true of character and full of life. She was an innovative woman who always tried to find new ways of recruiting students into the social work program.
Most importantly, she valued students and wanted to ensure the services provided and promised met their needs.
She’s described by her colleagues as ‘easy-going’ and full of gratitude. She had a warm and compassionate spirit that made her approachable by students and staff. She was ambitious, but also very considerate of people’s circumstances and needs.
Dr. Saunders had an impact on the UMB Social Work community as a forward thinker in her vision for not only growing the student body but for selecting the right components of character that embody a future social worker. She took pride in selecting great future social workers who will become leaders in their communities and fields of interest.
Dr. Saunders was well versed and knowledgeable in the social work field because of her own family members being social workers, so she understood the impact social workers had on the lives of their respective communities. The student body and staff will remember Dr. Kimberly Saunders as a woman of great character and compassion. She was a forward visionary - a believer in something greater than herself, and a champion for students’ success.
Although her time with her loved ones has ended too soon, the love she left behind has been woven softly into the hearts of her friends, family, students and colleagues for a lifetime.
In the words of Richard Russo, ‘lives are like rivers: eventually they go where they must. Not where we want them to’.
Rest in Peace Dr. Saunders and we thank you for the difference that you have made.
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