Kimberly Ann Vess

January 14, 1971 – May 15, 2026

Kimberly Ann Vess, 55, died at her home in Fayetteville, N.C., on May 15, 2026, after a lengthy illness. She was a graduate of Hamilton Heights High School, earned a psychology degree at Ball State University, earned her masters and doctorate degrees at University of Cincinnati, and most recently served as Senior Associate Dean for Student Experience at Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine, where she hoped to shape a new generation of community-engaged physician leaders in Southeastern North Carolina.

Her career spanned more than three decades and left an indelible mark on multiple institutions. Before joining Methodist University, Dr. Vess served as Associate Dean and Professor of Psychiatry and Health Behavior at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. There, she was a guiding force in enhancing student wellness and inclusion across five campuses and thousands of learners.

Throughout her leadership roles, Dr. Vess championed building better communities through academic excellence, resilience, mental health advocacy, and community-based education. She was instrumental in building learning communities, leading accreditation efforts, and diversifying the healthcare workforce through innovative pipeline programs. She co-authored influential books on cultural competence and counseling theory that continue to shape educational practice nationwide.

Her impact extended far beyond academia. As a community leader, she served on numerous non-profit boards including the Augusta Locally Grown, UGA Camp Kesem, Women’s Giving Circle, The CARE Clinic, Augusta Locally Grown, and the Family YMCA of Greater Augusta. A nationally recognized speaker, author, and advocate, she was the recipient of many honors, including the Institutional Integrity Award at Augusta University, and the Exemplary Teaching Award at the Medical College of Georgia. Her work touched thousands of students, colleagues, patients, and families across the country. Kim will be remembered for her kindness, her unwavering commitment to lifting others, and her deep and abiding belief in the power of education, resilience, and love.

She is survived by her beloved children, Dominic Halbur and Carolyn Halbur; her parents Sharon Vess Land, and John & Ruth Vess; three brothers; Jason Vess, James Vess, and Travis Vess; her forever fiancé, Pete Race, wonderful friends, and colleagues who will carry forward her legacy.

At her request, a celebration of life will be held at Haymount United Methodist Church where guests can reminisce about her life. In lieu of flowers, you may consider a donation to the Methodist Cape Fear School of Medicine at donate.methodist.edu/som. In comments, mention in memory of Kim Vess.