“I just can’t get enough of learning,” said Stephanie Perry, Loy Norrix’s new Dean of Students.

Perry has had lots of experience working in Kalamazoo Public Schools (KPS), since she used to work at Linden Grove as a counselor, Maple Street as an instructional coach, and Arcadia Elementary as a fourth grade teacher. Now, she is overseeing student life, teacher and student services, and other activities on campus as the new Dean of Students.

Perry came to Norrix because she wanted to continue to get more experience with teaching by helping students and teachers with curriculum. Before coming to Norrix, as a Linden Grove guidance counselor, Perry found that her job revolved around counseling more, so instead she chose to come to Loy Norrix and be the Dean of Students

 “I came here because I wanted a challenge,” said Perry, who wanted to learn new skills and work with a different group of kids. 

Perry  has always been passionate about helping kids learn because of her experiences as a young student.  Perry described herself as an awkward kid: she had a different experience because she was one of the only brown students at her school. 

“I was a fish out of water,” said Perry, “I didn’t feel like I connected with anybody.” 

Perry did, however, connect with her teachers. Perry explained that she had very good teachers that helped her work through her identity and opened up her eyes to what a big impact education can have on a child. Her teachers taught her that no matter what you look like or what talents you have, you can do anything.

This motivated Perry to work in education. She has been a coach for track, volleyball and basketball, as well as a science teacher and a school counselor. 

Perry worked as a summer school teacher over the summer of 2021 and did as much as possible to get more experience, which would give her more skills to help teachers and students. 

Her experience has already helped her touch many students’ lives. Perry was even acknowledged for her hard work and dedication when she won the “You Make a Difference” Award in 2018, nominated by the staff at Linden Grove Middle School. This award was made to honor those who best demonstrated determination and excellence to their students.

“I think that really helped to culminate all of my hard work in my career,” said Perry. 

Throughout her years as an educator, Perry has touched many lives and has also impacted students in the same way that her own teachers helped her in school. 

Perry has also been helpful to the counseling department. 

“We are delighted to have Stephanie Perry as our ‘New Dean’ at LNHS,” said counselor Rebecca Learner. “Her counseling background is greatly appreciated in our office and we welcome her positive and solution focused outlook.” 

Learner described Perry as inquisitive and optimistic which makes all of the situations that the counseling department faces much more doable.

A phrase that holds a special place in Perry’s heart is that teachers are “in the business of saving lives.” There are no do-overs with the students’ lives and education, and she takes that very seriously. She lives by the fact that you only have right now, so do something good with what you have.