The Heart of Steward Observatory: Michelle Cournoyer Retires After 40 Years of Service
Michelle Cournoyer retires this August having helped thousands of students, faculty, and staff navigate the complex systems of the university over the course of a 40-year career, all with patience, precision, and heart.
After four decades at Steward Observatory, Michelle Cournoyer, Manager of Academic Affairs, will retire on August 1. In that time, she has quietly become one of the most essential, beloved figures in the Department of Astronomy—a presence so steady and supportive that Research Professor Serena Kim described her simply as “like air in the department. I can’t think about Steward without Michelle.”
Michelle first arrived at Steward in 1985, hired into the Director’s Office as a secretary. Within six months, she had moved to the Academic Office, and in the years that followed, became a cornerstone of the department’s undergraduate and graduate programs. Over 40 years, she has helped thousands of students, faculty, and staff navigate the complex systems of the university, all with patience, precision, and heart.
“I oversee the Academic/Departmental Office of the department,” Michelle explained. “This includes both undergraduate and graduate students' programs. I'm also responsible for submitting the Astronomy Department's teaching schedule every semester… and then there’s ‘other miscellaneous duties upon request.’”
Those “miscellaneous duties” form an astonishing list, according to colleagues: she has helped process over 480 Ph.D. applications annually, facilitated orientation for scores of new students, liaised with faculty and room schedulers to ensure every class runs smoothly, and delivered keys to hundreds of faculty, staff, postdocs, and students—sometimes trekking across Speedway in the rain to do so. Her role has been as logistical as it is personal. “She looks out for all our needs and advocates solutions on our behalf,” wrote Robert C. Kennicutt, Laureate Professor, Astronomy. Don McCarthy, Astronomer and Distinguished Outreach Professor (retired 2022), called her “literally the glue that holds most of Astronomy and Steward together.”
That glue held firm even in the most trying moments. When a severe storm caused catastrophic damage to Michelle’s home, she continued to maintain her daily schedule—working from early morning until past midnight to ensure operations at Steward stayed on track.
During her time at Steward, Michelle has supported the awarding of 202 Ph.D. degrees—approximately 75% of all doctoral students in the program’s history. The department has grown from around 150 personnel when she began to over 400 today, a transformation Michelle has quietly facilitated from behind the scenes.
“I have seen so many changes in astronomy in the 40 years I've been here,” Michelle said, looking back on the discoveries made by students and faculty throughout the years. “It always amazes me all the talent we have, especially when I'm watching the national news and see one of our faculty being interviewed and I yell at the TV, I know that person! In the coming years, I anticipate seeing more of our astronomy family making breakthroughs. Go Astronomy!"
“She owes her success and longevity to a rich set of talents,” said Kennicutt, “including heavy doses of knowledge and experience, administrative skills, calmness under fire, patience, and the ability to herd cats and suffer fools gladly (yours truly included). Among the legions of overworked, underpaid, and underappreciated heroes at Steward, Michelle stands tall.”
For Michelle, the most meaningful part of the job has always been the students. “Each semester, attending the Departmental and College of Science Commencement Ceremonies… watching our Astronomy majors and graduate students walk the stage and get recognized for their achievements and accomplishments during their college careers—they all feel like they're part of my extended family, and I'm so very proud of each one of them.”
In acknowledgement of Michelle’s work, the College of Science honored her this spring with the 2025 CoS Staff Excellence Award: an accolade that recognizes her exceptional service this year, as well as her cumulative service over her entire career. “She has been a remarkably positive force,” said Buell Jannuzi, Head of the Department of Astronomy and Director of Steward Observatory. "Her exceptional competence has been a foundation for our collective success. Her compassion, empathy, and wisdom have enabled her to mentor not only our numerous students, but our faculty and staff as well.”
Outside of work, Michelle is an avid hiker, traveler, and devoted mother and grandmother—her granddaughter will be attending U of A beginning this August! She also lends her time to the Vatican Observatory Foundation and the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.
As she enters retirement, Michelle Cournoyer’s impact will long be felt. Michelle leaves behind not just a legacy of diligent service, but an entire academic community that has grown stronger because of her care. “Her support has provided me and many others with resources, trust, and confidence,” wrote Kim. “It allowed us to do our job well and be happy at Steward.”