Dr. Mark Kidd Retires from NOVA
Dr. Mark Kidd retired from NOVA on June 30 after eleven years of service as Dean of Students at the Manassas Campus. Numerous faculty, staff and students have benefited from his expertise and sage advice over the years.
Executive Assistant Marrium Saleem noted “He is gifted with a delightful, caring and cooperative nature. His coworkers recognize him for his courtesy. It was my pleasure to work with Dr. Kidd. His willingness to put in extra time and effort to help students, faculty and staff to solve students’ issues has demonstrated a commitment to excellence. His friendly attitude with thoughtfulness and quiet encouragement were key parts of his personality. In addition to his incredible competence and skill dealing with students, he was a strong advocate for students.”
Ombudsperson Dr. Tanneh Kamara echoed his advocacy for students. She shared one of the things that Dr. Kidd always said to students: “Getting into college took work and you are here now. Enjoy your journey by including all the members of your support system–including your parents, academic advisor, faculty, administrators and staff who are willing to help you. I look forward to seeing you at graduation!”
Dr. Kidd received both his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Business Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi. He earned his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Mississippi. Prior to coming to NOVA, Dr. Kidd held roles as the associate dean of university life and director of student life at George Mason University and as assistant dean of students at the University of Mississippi.
Dr. Kidd was very active with the Southern Association of College Student Affairs (SACSA). He was a board member and former chair of the organization’s Foundation Board of Directors. He also served on several SACSA task forces and was a member and chair of a number of SACSA committees. In his role as SACSA vice president for partnerships, he also served as the association’s liaison to Region III of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA).
Dr. Kidd was an affiliate faculty member for the Higher Education Program at George Mason. He taught graduate courses, served on the advisory committee for the program and also was a member of several dissertation committees, mentoring the next generation of student services practitioners.
His other activities included serving on the Southern Mississippi University Activities Council, acting as a resident advisor, then hall director, performing in the marching band, the symphonic band and wind ensemble. He was initiated into his fraternity (Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.), in which he is still an active member. He was voted Mr. University of Southern Mississippi and inducted into the USM Undergraduate Hall of Fame. At his former institutions, he advised a number of student organizations including the Student Government Association, Lambda Sigma Sophomore Honor Society and Mason Strong, an advocacy group that sought to stop sexual assault against women and men. Dr. Kidd is also very active in community service initiatives including the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, March of Dimes/Walk for Babies, Walk to End HIV (formerly AIDS Walk), Help the Homeless and volunteering at community service agencies and mentoring young adults.
Spanish faculty member Cris Sparks-Early noted “Dr. Kidd has a such a way of listening to faculty, staff and students that you can be certain the outcome of the situation has been carefully pondered and approached from every possible angle. He is calm in the storm.”
His thoughtful, listening ear will be missed at Manassas; we wish Dr. Kidd fewer storms in a happy retirement.
Submitted by:
Dr. Molly Lynch, Provost-Manassas Campus, MLynch@nvcc.edu