By Shelbi Mulcahy
Lynn Bynum started working at Bellarmine in October 1999 as chief human resource officer and was first human resource professional hired by the university.
In 2012, Bynum also took on the position of Title IV coordinator.
Not only does Bynum hold two positions at Bellarmine, but she also is involved in many committees in the Bellarmine and Louisville community.
“It is important to give back and pay it back,” Bynum said.
Bynum has recently chaired three Bellarmine committees that have addressed the COVID pandemic and being healthy on campus. She also has been involved in a number of Bellarmine diversity committees and the faculty compensation committee.
Bynum has served on the board of Hospice Health and the Saint Xavier High School board of directors, both organizations in the Louisville area.
Bynum said she loves what she does and will miss coming to work every day.
“The relationships have been so wonderful, and I will miss being on campus every fall and spring semester to see all the students,” she said.
“Fall and spring are the best times on campus because all of the students are back and there is life. I will miss seeing all the impromptu concerts in the Quad and Christmas caroling that would go on before winter break,” Bynum said.
Bynum has made a big impact on a lot of people in the Bellarmine community.
Deborah Fox, director of public safety, and Bynum go way back.
Fox has known Bynum from the moment her parents both worked at Bellarmine. “Lynn personally has been a great family friend, and I am so thankful to have her in my life,” Fox said.
“She is a go-getter, supportive person and someone I can run to if I ever need an ear to listen,” she said.
Bynum has been with Fox through thick and thin. When Fox’s mom needed to go into long-term care, Bynum made a special point to help Fox’s mom, who was on a waitlist, get into the Nazareth Home.
Mark Wiegand, associate provost, has also worked with Bynum through the years.
Said Wiegand: “We have worked closely in situations involving Title IV, which had led to deep discussion including discussions about sensitive items, and from this we have been able to grow close.
“I have also respected her insights and understanding of certain issues. She has a people-first approach to situations and is a person who is caring, compassionate and understanding of everyone.”
Denise Brown-Cornelius, associate vice president for business affairs, met Bynum as she was interviewing for her position.
Since being hired, Brown-Cornelius has also worked closely with Bynum because a lot of information comes from human resources.
“Lynn really lives the hospitality of Bellarmine and is always there to lend an ear,” Brown-Cornelius said. “She is very giving of her time and makes it a point to connect with people to make a lasting impression.”
“I am so happy for Lynn as she embarks on this new period of her life.” she said, “She will be greatly missed.”
Fox called Bynum invaluable. “She has been a big impact in so many lives that the Bellarmine community will greatly miss her,” Fox said.
Bynum’s plans for retirement are to take a lot of trips with her husband. She is excited to spend more time with her children and grandchildren who don’t live in Louisville. Once the pandemic improves, she also plans to take many international trips.
Bynum said she will still be active in the Bellarmine community after she retires and will be back to support Knights’ athletics and other activities at the university.
Bynum said she would like to give to students who are about to enter the workforce some advice. “Take advantage of opportunities and take risks. It is also so important to give back, give service to others because you never know how you will impact people,” she said.
Bynum’s last day at Bellarmine is May 31.