When Howard Bailey graduated from high school in Middlesboro, Kentucky, he was determined to go away to college. Although most of his friends were going to Eastern or the University of Kentucky, Howard decided on Western -- despite the fact that he had never even been to Bowling Green. He obviously made a wise choice. Not only did he graduate from Western and meet his wife in Bowling Green, he has developed his career here as well. He is now the assistant dean of Student Affairs, a position he has held since 1976.

Howard's interest in student affairs stems back to his undergraduate days in the mid 1960's, when he served as assistant hall director at Barnes-Campbell. After graduation, he took a teaching job with the Great Onyx Job Corps but was soon back at Western to pursue a master's degree in student personnel services with an emphasis in counseling. "After teaching, I realized that the students’ mental state played a large part in determining their learning ability."

While working on his master's, Howard once again took a position as an assistant hall director of the newly opened Pearce-Ford Tower. By 1973 he had moved up to staff assistant and then coordinator of residence development within the Office of Student Affairs. He left Western in 1974 to take a position in the Resident Life Department at North Carolina State. But he returned to Western the following year, ("I'll always come back like a magnet!").

Mr. Bailey is primarily responsible for selecting, training, and supervising the residence hall staff. He also serves as the principal disciplinarian to solve problems reported by the hall directors. But he sees himself in an even broader roll [sic]; "A lot of students come in for advice or general information about dorm life. Some discuss personal problems with me, so I am involved in both counseling and referrals."

In addition to student affairs, Howard has an extensive history of involvement in both campus and community affairs. In 1969 he served as the founding president of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity and has continued to be active as a regional officer in the national alumni chapter. He is presently campus advisor to Kappa Alpha Psi and United Black Students, and serves on a number of committees including the President's Advisory Committee. Howard is a member of the Bowling Green Human Rights Commission, the BGWC Jaycees, and is on the board of directors for the Boy's Club.

He obviously enjoys what he is doing. "I get a lot of self-gratification from helping others. It makes me feel good about myself." Howard is married to Kayla Bailey, a second grade teacher at Jones-Jaggers school. He enjoys fishing and spending time with his wife as well as repairing furniture. Although he is very people oriented, one of his favorite past times is to “hibernate with a good book.”

In the future, Howard would like to see the student affairs department broadened and new aspects of student personnel services initiated. He particularly sees the need for a minority affairs office, which most universities already operate as a branch of student affairs. But his primary concern is to make himself available to any resident student or staff member who needs advice, help, or just a listening ear. "As long as I’m in tune with student life, and can communicate with them, I’m satisfied."

See also - Minorities at WKU Bibliography

Additional information regarding Howard Bailey:

These and other sources are available in the Harrison-Baird Reading Room at the Kentucky Museum & Library.