To: Faculty, Staff, and Students
From: President Ashish Vaidya
Date: mm/dd/22
Subject: X
Dear Campus Community:
It is with deep sadness that I share news of the passing of our friend and colleague, Shawn Rainey, last night. For nearly 13 years, Shawn has been a valued member of our NKU family after joining us as associate director of curriculum, accreditation and assessment in November 2009. Since then, he played a critical role in leading the Institutional Research team, most recently as executive director of planning and institutional research. Shawn was truly dedicated to NKU, often going above and beyond his roles and responsibilities to support everyone across campus. He will be dearly missed.
Colleagues knew Shawn as compassionate and always putting his team first, many times working late nights and weekends so the team did not have to. He was always willing to serve on committees and support any initiatives across campus. He had a way of explaining data so that everybody could understand and was respected for his work and knowledge across the state and at CPE. Shawn knew the work he did directly informed strategic decisions and initiatives, which directly impacted students. He was driven to make sure administrators, deans and staff had the data and tools needed to change a student’s life.
Friends and coworkers remember his dry sense of humor that would always bring a laugh in the office. Shawn loved sharing stories about his two sons and was always active in supporting their hobbies and activities. He had many interests and hobbies of his own, but ultimately his true passion was spending time with his sons, Max and Ben, and his wife, Janelle.
Losing a member of our campus community impacts each of us, so please remember that it is always OK to ask for help. University Wellness provides the Employee Assistance Program through Aetna and offers online resources and counselors, which are available anytime.
I send my sympathies to Shawn’s family, friends and to the campus community. Please keep them in your thoughts. We will share the details regarding arrangements as we hear more from his family.
Sincerely,
Ashish Vaidya
