University News

Kiah Farewell Reception Aug. 12

July 28, 2015

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MACOMB, IL -- A farewell reception for Jude Kiah, director of Go West Transit and the University Bookstore at Western Illinois University, will be held from 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12 in the University Union Lamoine Room. Kiah has been named assistant vice president for auxiliary services at Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH.

Kiah began his career at Western in 1995 as a residence hall complex director. He was named director of Go West Transit in 1999, and was named director of the University Bookstore in 2009. Kiah served as director of both Go West and the Bookstore simultaneously.

"Jude's many years of service and his expertise will be greatly missed," said Gary Biller, vice president for student services. "He built Go West from the ground up into the outstanding service it is today, and he has transformed the University Bookstore into a visually appealing and customer service-oriented operation. Jude has always had the best interest of students, and of Western, in mind when running these services."

Kiah, who recently was named the 2015 Council of Administrative Personnel (COAP) Employee of the Year, also served as a University 100 instructor and a Building Connections mentor during his time at Western, in addition to being active in the community, including serving on the Macomb School Board and as a chairman of the West Central Officials Association.

"Over the years, Jude has had as big an impact as anyone on campus. I often wonder how Jude finds time to do all the things he does. He has boundless energy and truly is a visionary. Whatever he tackles succeeds. I have never seen him fail and if I had something broken he would be one of the first people I would think of to fix it. He is going to be missed, but we wish him the very best," added John Biernbaum, associate director of student services.

Kiah received his doctorate in business administration from Northcentral University; his MBA from Western; and a master's degree in social science, and two bachelor's degrees from Potsdam College (SUNY).

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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