In the fall of 2024, the Student Affairs Division at WSU gained a new Assistant Dean/Director of Counseling Services. Kevin Fenlon, who has worked for Worcester State for the past 16 years, took on this new role and now oversees the staff and operation of the Counseling Center. Recently promoted after the long-time Associate Dean/Director of Counseling Services, Laurie Murphy, retired in August of 2024, Kevin has jumped right into the position and has already gained valuable insight on what it takes to be a leader for his team.
Kevin & MK at a Red Sox Game
Kevin, who resides in Holden, MA, with his wife and four sons, received his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adults, both from Assumption University in Worcester. Previously employed as the Clinical Director of New River Academy, a 90-day Department of Youth Services treatment facility for adolescents, Kevin joined Worcester State in 2008 as the Assistant Director in the Counseling Center and moved into the Associate Director role in 2022. Although still a practicing therapist within the office, Kevin oversees a staff of five counselors and one support staff in his new role. He is also a valuable member of the WSU Care Team, a collaborative group that promotes student well-being through proactive, compassionate, and transparent assistance through cross-campus supportive measures. Kevin also serves as an adjunct professor in the Psychology Department.
Although he is a leader within his office, Kevin identifies first and foremost as a therapist. He finds that his most meaningful exchanges with students are in individual sessions when the student is comfortable enough to open up. This vulnerability leads to greater self-awareness and a readiness to overcome challenges and work through trauma. Working with a student to reach that level is fulfilling and why Kevin does what he does every day.
One of Kevin’s favorite aspects of his position is working with his NEADS assistance dog, MK. MK resides with Kevin in the Counseling Center and when MK is not working at WSU, he serves as the Fenlon family dog. NEADS is a national service and assistance dog breeding and training organization in Princeton, MA which has raised and trained more than 1900 dogs since 1976. MK joins Kevin in counseling sessions with students, classroom visits, and at events such as Fresh Check Day and New Student Orientation. Kevin feels that going through the process of bringing MK to the Worcester State Community is one of the most rewarding and biggest accomplishments he has had during his time at the university. (PS: You can follow MK on Instagram!)
Lessons in Leadership
Transitioning into his new position this year, Kevin has taken on a new leadership role on campus and spent time reflecting on how he is adapting his leadership style to fit this new position. Kevin’s previous leadership style was more of a “quieter approach to leadership,” less directive and leading by example. In his new role, Kevin has adjusted his style to be more directive and vocal in working with his staff and colleagues across campus.
Kevin has learned many leadership lessons during his career. “Doing what you say you are going to do is important for any leader.” Setting boundaries and limits with students and colleagues is also valuable in leading on a college campus. Another important lesson learned is dealing with conflict. “Learning to be okay with conflict is important. Sometimes you have to go backward to move forward as a unit. You can’t take any conflict personally.”
Kevin’s definition of a leader includes a high standard of achievement and the willingness to continue to learn and grow. Kevin believes that a great leader will continue to attempt to master whatever field they are in and should contest the notion of an ‘expert’. Continuous growth is crucial to improve skills as a leader and active listening is also crucial for building mutual respect within a team. Kevin also believes that you do not have to be an extrovert or have a dominant personality to be an effective leader.
Identity and Leadership
Identity plays an important role in developing skills as a leader. Kevin’s early life experiences with his family shaped his views on how to lead and led him to reflect specifically on gender roles and leadership. Growing up in a large Irish family of seven, Kevin felt that roles were developed often related to gender, birth order, and parental expectations. “As number six of seven, I was often not looked to for leadership growing up. However, gender differences (five sisters and one brother) often led to different expectations over time when biological age became less impactful. Acknowledging that my input may weigh differently for no other reason than my gender doesn’t give credence to my input without the necessary work, self-introspection, and identifying of disproportionate expectations based on said gender.”
Advice for Future Leaders
When asked if he had any advice for future leaders, Kevin focused on the importance of having a good mentor and role model to guide you through your journey as a leader and eventually through your career. “Find a person, mentor, or supervisor that reflects the qualities you aspire to. I worked under Laurie Murphy, former Associate Dean, for close to 16 years. She represents a model of commitment to her career, family, and centering of students that I continue to strive for.”
