Susan Ratz

is honored with a Brick from Division of Student Affairs - Directors

Plaza of Heroines
Bio for Susan M. Ratz
Submitted by: Kristen A. Oblinger

A native of Indiana, Susan M. Ratz earned a Bachelors of Science in Business Education and a Master of Arts in College Student Personnel Administration in Higher Education from Ball State University. Ms. Ratz came to WSU as the Director of University Housing in January of 1996. Dedicated to providing more than just a place to sleep or “house” residents, Ms. Ratz worked to have the name of the department officially changed to Housing and Residence Life. This move reflected her commitment to the residents whom the department serves and was an invaluable step towards changing the identity of the department. Under her direction, on campus occupancy rates tripled, the department’s budget was pulled from the “red” into the “black,” and a much needed $14 million renovation project was successfully completed. WSU, Housing and Residence Life and the students we serve will benefit for years to come from Susan Ratz’s leadership, dedication and contributions.

While living in Wichita, Susan M. Ratz not only made a difference on campus, but in the community as well. Matched as a Big Sister since August of 1996, Ms. Ratz was nominated for Big Sister of the year in 2002 by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sedgwick County. She served as a trained advocate and volunteer for Wichita Sexual Assault Center and as a Eucharistic Minister for the Church of the Magdalen.

In September of 2003, Susan M. Ratz moved to Dallas, Texas, to assume the position of Assistant Dean of Students at Southern Methodist University and to marry Kenneth Thomas. She will be greatly missed by her WSU family. Without a doubt, it won’t take long for those around her in Dallas to be positively impacted by her dedication, intelligence and drive to make a difference.