Lisa Krohn - Making the Morningside Magic Happen

by Garrett Arbuckle ‘23

Anyone that has ever had a meeting with Morningside University President John Reynders knows that the woman who keeps the Office of the President running smoothly is none other than the assistant Reynders hired when he first arrived, Lisa Krohn.

Krohn has been essential to nearly every aspect of Reynders tenure, and he is not shy about giving her the credit.

“Lisa has kept me on time and organized for more than two decades. She understands me and my role, but she also understands Morningside,” said Reynders. “She has a big job in taking care of the many people who work with this office, as well as keeping tabs on Robin and me. She does it with incredible professionalism, grace, and always a smile.”

Among those who regularly meet with the president are the Board of Directors, government officials, community members, alumni, and the list goes on. While no day tends to be the same for Lisa, she handles all the logistics associated with those visits and is the primary point of contact for President Reynders.

“There is always something new happening around here,” said Lisa. “Being able to adapt to the changes that each day brings is essential to my work. It’s really what makes the job interesting and fun.”

Indeed, change and growth have been a big part of Morningside’s story under Reynders’ leadership these last two decades, and Lisa has had a front row seat for it. She acknowledges that President Reynders’ passion, vision, and enthusiasm have been driving forces behind making it all happen.

“The transformation Morningside has experienced has been amazing to watch, especially because I got to see so much of what happened behind the scenes. It is remarkable to see something go from being an idea to becoming reality. There isn’t even one project that I could pinpoint as being the best because each step has been important. I truly admire John’s leadership and vision.”

Beyond the transformation of the campus, Lisa notes the most rewarding part of her job has been the relationships she has forged through her work.

“John and I have gotten to know so many people over the years, and you see how their lives change, too. Families grow and change, people retire and take new jobs, there are births to celebrate and losses to mourn. It’s rewarding to build those relationships while sharing memories and experiences with so many people,” said Lisa.

Lisa has especially enjoyed getting to know Morningside students, noting, “John has always made it clear that he has an open-door policy with students, and he has always had a standing offer to students that they can schedule an appointment for any reason, including just to say hello and get to know him. Many students have taken him up on that offer over the years and since I manage John’s schedule, I get to know those students as well. Those connections have often become lifelong relationships.”

As the Reynders prepare for their next chapter, Lisa continues to be instrumental to Morningside operations at every level and is preparing to help welcome Dr. Albert Mosley when he arrives in the summer. She looks forward to maintaining the welcoming environment she has helped create for the Office of the President, as well as celebrating the work of the Reynders as they prepare for retirement, sharing “This is a special point in Morningside history that I am looking forward to being a part of and celebrating. John and Robin have truly left their mark on Morningside and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work alongside them for all these years.”

The transformation Morningside has experienced has been amazing to watch, especially because I got to see so much of what happened behind the scenes. It is remarkable to see something go from being an idea to becoming reality.