Kathy LaBarge, IT Quality Assurance Analyst, has been recognized by her peers as a WashU IT Person of ImpacT for her dedication, teamwork and commitment to helping others. She was one of 12 individuals who received multiple nominations as a 2024 WashU IT Person of ImpacT.
LaBarge defines a Person of ImpacT as someone who goes the extra mile, embraces change, and views feedback as a gift. Those who are honored with the award are those who personify the IT Strategic Plan, ImpacT.
“This recognition is the greatest form of feedback — it shows that my actions are making a difference and that I’m accomplishing my goal of assisting others any way I can,” said LaBarge. LaBarge believes one of the most important ways to help others feel engaged and valued is to encourage and embrace their individuality and encourage them to embrace their team members’ individuality as well.
In her role, she focuses on ensuring that WashU’s technology runs smoothly and securely. She creates and executes test plans to verify software upgrades, new applications, and document migrations to platforms such as KnowledgeLake and SharePoint Online. “It’s the kind of job people don’t always realize exists, but it saves everyone from problems before they happen,” LaBarge said.
As she continues her work in quality assurance, LaBarge looks forward to new challenges across the University. “I’m excited to work on new projects with different departments, continuing to learn and grow in my current role,” she said.
“Kathy is an incredible team player,” said Allison Grindon, Assistant Director, Lifecycle in WashU IT, who is one of the individuals who nominated LaBarge. “She is eager to learn and grow with WashU IT and she embodies the type of forward thinking the ImpacT plan envisions.”
Before joining WashU, LaBarge spent 33 years in the private sector as a systems and business analyst. She holds an associate degree in data processing from Meramec Community College and a bachelor’s degree in management and communications from Concordia University.
Outside of work, LaBarge helps the family’s pool service business, run by her husband, Larry, and son, Austin. She also supports her son Hunter, a senior at the University of Missouri, who hopes to enter veterinary school next fall. The family loves attending Mizzou home football games and traveling to northwestern Florida.
“I’m so grateful to be part of a compassionate, family-like team,” LaBarge said. “We work hard, support each other, and celebrate our successes together.”