While Maureen Kelley McIntire is now well known as one of the best caterers in town, for thousands of undergraduates as well as landlords, bar owners, and sandwich shops, Kelley was, and will always be for many of them, the public face of Washington College. As the Vice President for Student Affairs for over thirty years, it fell on Kelley to act in loco parentis for students when they got into trouble, from bar brawls, bad checks, smoking pot or being late on rent, at a time when almost 30% of the student population was living off campus.
In her interview with the Spy, Kelley talks about her own concept of loco parentis and how it influenced her ability to manage student life in the midst of profound cultural changes, including drugs, alcoholism, and sex, during her three decades. She also opens up the question of how a town coexists with a college and vice versa.
The video is approximately five minutes in length.
Ken Noble says
Kelley influenced many of my Annapolis friends in such a positive way that it would take a book to document how and why in even a passing fashion. I can hear my own mentors, not from WC, but from far away. Back in those days people like Carl Rogers were teaching counseling mentors about UNCONDITIONAL POSITIVE REGARD. But now, it can be a challenge for a twenty-something to get through the TSA…..not to mention to happen upon a seasoned someone to chat with at college. Trust has been replaced with something else…..which could be the subject of a three day conference at WC…..
Joan Cramer says
So wise. What a wonderful woman, and how lucky the students who enjoyed her tenure.
Skip Middleton says
Kelley McIntire was a person at WC that earned our respect the very moment she opened her mouth. She possessed confidence and common sense that cut through appearance, class, background and upbringing, and just made you remember to keep your act together. She made students want to be role models, not from a decorum standpoint, but from a better human being standpoint. During my worst times at WC, she could break from the handbook, stare at you, talk to you and just make you realize you had your head buried in your a__, and it was time to come up for air. She cared about my family, she helped me earn the extra money I needed to get by, and she was above all, approachable, like a favorite aunt. I have only terrific memories of Dean McIntire… I hope you are well! Know that you did right by me, to this day!
Cindy Brittain says
Kelly is one of the wisest women I know, and what a GIFT she is to our community, in so many ways! I am honored to work with her now, as part of her wonderful catering company… She makes ANY situation, no matter how difficult, DO-able. And FUN! We LOVE working for Kelly, who thanks US at the end of each and every job. She has touched (And continues to touch) so many lives with her positive, accepting and ageless charm! She is a role model for us all! WE LOVE YOU KELLY!!!
Doug Megargee says
Kelley was the best second mother many of us could have had. She would come to us for help which made us empowered beccause we were a part of the resolution to her problem. We would go to her for help because she would listen and she was fair. If you felt her rath you deserved it, but most often you felt her love of WC and her students. As one who stayed I am always happy to see her about town. She too is probably happier to se me now then when I was at the WAC…… Fondly BDM
Carla Massoni says
Love this woman. She helped us find the way to be there for our son as he made those mistakes. Ultimately he left WC but he was a better man and we were better parents as a result of her sensible no nonsense counseling. As a friend and fellow business owner in Chestertown – well you will need to go far to find anyone finer.
Jim Quinn '84 says
I had the opportunity to work with Kelly for six years, and in my capacity at the College, I learned to follow her philosophiy with the students. She is truly a great person!
Susan Stobbart Shapiro '91 says
Dear Editor,
Dean McIntire is an amazing woman. She was so great at WC. A true role model for me and for other students.
Loved the video –and everything she had to say in it.
Susan Stobbart Shapiro
Jen Thomas says
Dear Editor,
Such a wise woman. My experiences at Washington College really shaped a part of who I am today. It provided a safe, supporting place to test boundaries, learn important life lessons, and foster a strong sense of self. It really is a very special community. Miss you Dean McIntire, and all the Washington College family.
Jen Thomas, ’00