Mawrtian of the Month: Ms. Fetting
By Lara S. '22
Ms. Fetting is Bryn Mawr’s friendly face on campus and a dedicated faculty member. She graduated from Bryn Mawr in 2002, and now is our Dean of Students! From planning fun student events to taking care of disciplinary issues, Ms. Fetting does so much for the Upper School community, and we appreciate her dedication to our community. Her enthusiasm for the Upper School and for Mawrtian spirit is ever-growing, and she has shaped many students’ school experiences. She embodies the spirit of Bryn Mawr and works hard to make every student feel comfortable in the Upper School community. The Quill wanted to show our appreciation for Ms. Fetting by making her this month’s Mawrtian of the Month!
Q: What made you want to come back and work at Bryn Mawr/How has being an important part of Bryn Mawr's faculty increased your personal connection?
A: Being the Dean of Students at Bryn Mawr is actually my dream job! When I was Dean at my former school in D.C., I sometimes looked to see if Bryn Mawr was hiring. About ten years after I graduated, I started wanting to work here because I missed the deep sense of community and school spirit. You just don’t find it in a lot of other schools!
Q: What was your favorite part about Bryn Mawr as a student, and what is your favorite part now?
A: My favorite part about Bryn Mawr as a student was the freedom we had to make choices and be leaders. We could design our schedules, pick or start clubs, take on leadership roles, and use our voices to talk about issues we cared about. Almost 20 (!) years later, that is still my favorite thing about Bryn Mawr -- seeing students charting their own course.
Q: What do you feel has been your most important contribution to the Bryn Mawr community, and what are some goals you have as you continue your career?
A: I hope that as Dean that I am creating a space where students can feel comfortable outside the classroom. I know the Dean role can be kind of scary-seeming because of discipline issues, but my #1 goals are to be approachable, kind, and helpful -- whether a student is just asking a question or grabbing a snack from me, or whether we are having a more serious conversation. When I think about the next few years, I hope I can stay at Bryn Mawr and continue to serve as Dean. You don’t let go of your dream job that easily!
Q: What is something you wish you knew as a student at Bryn Mawr? Or a piece of advice you have for the community?
A: My advice would be to approach differences with curiosity as opposed to fear or judgment. That has served me well so far.
Q: What are some of your hobbies or interests students and faculty might not know about you?
A: My two top hobbies I would say are running and crossword puzzles. I don’t know when I will be able to run again after my surgery, but hopefully by the summer.
Q: What do you miss most about pre-COVID at Bryn Mawr?
A: My office is right off the Commons Room, and I miss students hanging out in there, being loud and laughing and making TikTok videos and just being silly. I can’t wait for the mailboxes to be back so I can leave treats to students, too!
Q: What is the biggest difference from when you were a student at Bryn Mawr to now?
A: Bryn Mawr has prioritized students’ personal interests so much! Nothing is one-size-fits-all anymore. Instead, you can really customize your experience to explore your passions.