Kerry Albright Fankhauser

Kerry Albright Fankhauser is an Associate Dean of Westhampton College.  Dean Fankhauser cherishes every opportunity to get to know and support Westhampton students, and is known for her tireless spirit and ready smile. At Westhampton, Dean Fankhauser meets with students to provide individual support and guidance for academic, co-curricular, and social matters, as well as oversees many of Westhampton’s beloved celebrations, including Proclamation, Ring Dance, Senior Celebration, and the Senior Student-Athlete reception, as well as the Four-Year Roommate Dinner for Westhampton and Richmond Colleges.  She co-advises the Westhampton Student Government Association, and oversees the class chairs.  She serves on numerous cross-campus committees, to include the Eating and Body Image Concerns Committee.  Dean Fankhauser also teaches a section of WELL 100 and serves as an academic advisor in the summer and during the academic year. One of her favorite parts about being a dean is having the opportunity to work with students individually throughout their time at the university.  Dean Fankhauser believes that we all need help throughout our life, and so works to be a trusted mentor students turn to when they are experiencing difficulties and an enthusiastic supporter they can celebrate with when things are going well! 

Dean Fankhauser’s education includes a B.S. is in Psychology with a second major in Sociology, followed by a graduate degree in Counseling.  It was during her time in graduate school that she realized her love of college and her love of people could blend into a career in Student Affairs, which she began as a graduate assistant in the Office of Student Activities at Western Michigan University.  Dean Fankhauser then went on to serve as an Academic Advisor at Western Michigan University from 2000-2001, and then as a Hall Director at Valdosta State University from 2001-2003.  Dean Fankhauser began her career at Westhampton College in July 2003 as an Area Coordinator.  From February to June 2005 she served as both an AC and the Interim Assistant Dean for Residence Life, before moving into the role of first of Assistant Dean and then Associate Dean of Westhampton College.  In 2015-2016 Dean Fankhauser served as the Interim Dean for Westhampton College before transitioning back to the role that is near and dear to her heart, Associate Dean of Westhampton College.   

Dean Fankhauser is a FLI, first generation and/or limited income, student from rural southwest Michigan, where she grew up on a small farm.  Though she has lived in the south for over twenty years, Dean Fankhauser is, at her core, a Midwesterner who will always believe that the most beautiful landscape includes corn.  Dean Fankhauser lives near Short Pump with her husband, two teenage daughters, and one very spoiled giant schnoodle.  She enjoys spending time with her family, running, biking, hiking, listening to true crime podcasts, and reading.  Nature is where she feels most at peace and helping people is where she feels the greatest sense of purpose. 

To make an appointment with Dean Fankhauser, please call Kristen Phelps at 804-289-8468.