'Time of My Life' — CHS Celebrates 49-Year Career of Dr. Karen Skaff

By Ryan Clark 
CHS Communications Director

When Karen Skaff, RDH, PhD, first came to the University of Kentucky nearly five decades ago, Joe B. Hall was the basketball coach, Seattle Slew was making its run at the Triple Crown and the enrollment at UK was just about half of what it is now — around 20,000 students. 

That was 1977. 

And Skaff, a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and Columbia University, and a professor who had taught at places like West Virginia, Old Dominion and Loyola of New Orleans, came to Lexington with her husband to teach in the dental hygiene program. Through the years, job titles, responsibilities and even programs changed, but one constant remained: Skaff taught here in the College of Health Sciences for 49 years. 

“Truly, it was the time of my life,” she says. 

Friday, more than 100 faculty, staff, students and family came out to the college to celebrate that career, as Skaff is retiring after all that time. And more than a few got up to share just what Skaff has meant to them — as well as to the university. 

“Her influence extends far beyond the classroom,” said Phillip Gribble, PhD and Dean of the College of Health Sciences. “She has a steadfast commitment to students … and excellence. Today is our opportunity to thank you for that unwavering commitment.”

It was said more than once that thousands of students were taught by Skaff during her time in CHS, and colleagues said countless others were lucky to have her as a mentor or fellow researcher. 

“I learned what it truly means to be a great professor,” said Katie Haunert, MS, CCC-SLP, and a speech language pathologist at Cincinnati Children’s. She said she was able to learn how to create a syllabus, navigate ethical dilemmas in healthcare, and work with students and faculty. 

Over the course of those decades, Skaff pretty much did it all, serving as chair of departments, while taking students to education abroad trips to Cuba, New Orleans and to healthcare deserts in eastern Kentucky. She also helped create the pre-professional Human Health Sciences major that we see today, which now enrolls more than 1,000 students. 

“I really want to thank you for all the contributions you have made in a glorious career,” Scott Lephart, PhD and former Dean of the College of Health Sciences, said in a special recorded message. “Your legacy will go on for generations.”

Sarah Kercsmar, PhD, MHA and chair of the Department of Health and Clinical Sciences, worked with Skaff for almost 10 years — and she said the relationship Skaff had with her students was remarkable. 

“Karen Skaff loved her students — and they loved her, too,” Kercsmar said. 

Recent retiree David Fahringer, MSPH, PA-C, offered some post-career advice. 

“Keep pushing yourself,” he said. “Keep researching and supporting students.”

Around the room were constant reminders of Skaff’s career, from a video presentation showing pictures, to a full table of memorabilia. Among other things, the table featured Mardi Gras beads, certificates, a Steelers Terrible Towel and a ukulele. Each represented multiple memories and stories. 

Virginia Valentin, department chair of Physician Assistant Studies, said she appreciated Skaff’s “consistent presence.”

“Karen has a been a mentor to almost all of us in this room,” Valentin said. “Time is the most important thing, and she will always give you that time. Karen always gives.”

After thanking her family and friends, she ran through some highlights from her 49-year career, recognizing notable people and events. But first she apologized to all the members in attendance who represented other colleges. 

“Our students are the best,” she said matter-of-factly. 

“This college is a wonderful world of special people, and I appreciate it more than words can say,” she continued. “You’re always biased for your family, but the proof is in the pudding — our students get their first pick (of schools) and pass their boards.”

Before the end of the afternoon, she just wanted to thank everyone one last time. 

“I want to thank all of you for showing me this special day,” she said. “All of my dreams came true.”