Who We Are
Success coaches support students and help them reach their academic, career, and personal goals while navigating challenges and referring to identified campus resources. Student Success offers holistic support that aligns with "cura personalis," part of RU's core values of caring for the whole person.
Steph Hart, M.P.A.
Students with last names A-K, RockUrCommute, Peer Coach programming
Steph Hart rejoined the Rockhurst community in March 2023. Previously, she served as the Director of College Counseling at two Kansas City area high schools following a career in college admissions at two universities (including Rockhurst!). Steph is proud to be a first-generation college graduate and values the Jesuit education she received for her undergraduate degrees in psychology and criminal justice. In addition, Steph earned a graduate degree in public administration with an emphasis in non-profit leadership. Steph’s best skills are organization and time management. She is known by many past students as “Mama Hart” because of both the care and the accountability she infuses into her relationships with students. In addition to her Success Coach responsibilities at Rockhurst, Steph is also the staff advisor for the Peer Coaches and RockUrCommute. In her spare time, Steph and TC spoil their rescue dog, Dublin, and she loves rural drives in her Jeep Wrangler (named Limerick). Steph is also an avid podcast listener, gardens… and is known for her banana bread.
Clifton “Top 5” Strengths: (1) Activator, (2) Strategic, (3) Communication, (4) Self-Assurance, and (5) Significance.
How to contact Steph:
- steph.hart@rockhurst.edu
- O 816-501-4867
- C 816-704-0985
- Office: Van Ackeren Hall, 200C
- Book an appointment
Matt Emory, M.Ed.
Students with last names L-Z, KC Scholars inquiries, First-Generation student initiatives
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Matt Emory joined the Student Success team at Rockhurst in the summer of 2021. His previous roles in education include working as a high school Spanish teacher and a college academic advisor. Matt enjoys getting to know his students and helping them realize their academic, career, and personal goals. Matt believes that a college education should be accessible and achievable for anyone. He has a special interest in supporting First-Generation college students. Matt strives to help students identify their individual strengths, interests, and values so the student feels a purpose in both their educational journey and in their life. Matt is a proud alum of Rockhurst. He earned his Master of Education at RU, which led to his career in education. In his free time, Matt enjoys spending time with his wife and three children and playing guitar.
Clifton “Top 5” Strengths: (1) Empathy, (2) Strategic, (3) Connectedness, (4) Learner, and (5) Intellection.
How to contact Matt:
- matthew.emory@rockhurst.edu
- O 816-501-4075
- Office: Van Ackeren Hall, 200G
- Book an appointment
Karen Lombardi, Ph.D.
Bloch Scholars Program
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Karen Lombardi joined Rockhurst University as the Bloch Scholars Program Coordinator in December 2024. She has lived all over the country – Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Texas, Nevada, Kansas, Maryland and Missouri) – but is finally happily settled in KCMO. Karen earned her undergraduate degree in mathematics and education from Juniata College, her master's in urban education from Nova Southeastern University, and her Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy studies from the University of Kansas. She has taught students of all ages (from second grade through college and adult learners) in both public and private settings, and her heart lies in working for equity in education, especially through accompaniment and advocacy.
Karen has journeyed alongside Bloch Scholars since 2021 when she first began working as an academic advisor, and she especially loves the access and support that the Bloch Scholars Program provides her students. She is excited to now serve those students at Rockhurst, a campus that reminds her of the small, liberal arts college she attended. Outside of work, Karen enjoys frequenting musical theatre, traveling (especially to visit her two nieces and nephew in Maryland), serving in faith formation and mentorship roles, and spending time with friends no matter the activity. While she has found amazing New York bagels in Kansas City (Meshuggah Bagels), she is still searching for authentic New York-style pizza in the area.
Clifton “Top 5” Strengths: (1) Relator, (2) Developer, (3) Maximizer, (4) Analytical, and (5) Connectedness
How to contact Karen:
- karen.lombardi@rockhurst.edu
- C 816-591-9643
- Office: Van Ackeren Hall, 303A
- Book an appointment
Fr. Bill Oulvey, S.J.
Student Success Coach, Sacramental Minister for Campus Ministry
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Fr. Bill returned to Rockhurst for his third “Tour of Duty.” Fr. Bill graduated from Rockhurst College in 1974 with a BS in Chemistry and minors in Biology and Philosophy. Between 2010 and 2016, he was the Superior of the Jesuit Community in Kansas City, an assistant in the Mission Office and served on the Board of Trustees for both Rockhurst University and High School. His graduate work includes an MS in Chemistry from St. Louis University and an MDiv and bachelor’s in sacred theology from Regis College in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
He entered the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), in 1974, was ordained a priest in 1985 and pronounced Final Vows as a Jesuit in 1994. He has served as a teacher of Chemistry, Theology, and Philosophy as well as the Chair of the Science and Mathematics Department at St. John’s College in Belize, Central America, for six years.
His other assignments include three years teaching Chemistry at DeSmet Jesuit High School in St. Louis, Missouri, serving as the Vocation Director for the Jesuit Missouri Province for seven years, four years in Rome, and service as the Secretary to the US Assistant at the Jesuit General Curia. He served for 18 years as a community Superior in Belize, Kansas City, and Denver, Colorado. He is trained as a Spiritual Director and an accomplished Director of Retreats in the Ignatian Tradition. Just prior to moving to Rockhurst, he served as Director of Sacred Heart Jesuit Retreat House in Sedalia, Colorado.
Fr. Bill enjoys reading novels, especially those with a nautical theme, hiking, train riding, and model building. He is looking forward to working with students to achieve their goals.
How to contact Fr. Bill:
william.oulvey@rockhurst.edu
O: 816-501-4647
C: 816-967-7109
Office: Conway Hall 337
Book an appointment