For more than three decades, Kathy Gregg dedicated her life to supporting students, not just academically, but personally—helping them discover their strengths and navigate life’s challenges. Alongside her husband Joe, the Gregg family left a lasting mark on education in Round Rock, Texas. From 1981 to 2017, one or both Greggs served at Westwood High School, creating a remarkable 36-year legacy of commitment to students and public education.
Kathy’s journey began in 1975 at Liberty Hill, where she taught Home Economics and Physical Science while also coaching multiple sports. Working in a small K–12 setting, she quickly realized her true passion was helping students with their personal growth. That realization led her to earn her counseling certification at The University of Texas and begin a career that would impact generations of students.
Her path took her from Elgin Junior High to Westwood High School, where she spent 30 years serving in nearly every counseling role imaginable—from academic advising to crisis support to college planning. For her final 12 years at Westwood, she served as Lead Counselor and College Counselor, helping guide students toward their futures.
Even after retiring in 2012, Kathy didn’t step away from students. What began as a one-year consulting role at Meridian World School in Round Rock turned into more than a decade of continued service. Today, she still works part-time as a college counselor, helping juniors and seniors navigate postsecondary planning.
When asked what she is most proud of, Kathy points not to awards, but to relationships. “Helping students discover their strengths and work through problems” has always been her focus. She takes pride in earning the trust of students, families, and colleagues—and in being someone who truly cared.
Like many counselors, Kathy notes that the impact of her work isn’t always immediately visible. Yet some of her most meaningful moments came years later. A former student once shared how fortunate she felt to have had someone who believed in her—a realization she only fully appreciated in college. Another honored Kathy with a special Johns Hopkins University tradition, gifting her a feather pin given only to those deemed “indispensable” to a student’s journey.
Throughout her career, Kathy remained motivated by a simple but powerful idea: keep the focus on students. Even during challenging times, she found purpose in knowing she was part of something bigger—making a difference in young lives.
Over the years, she has witnessed significant changes in education. While opportunities for students have expanded, so have the demands on teachers. Kathy is a strong advocate for public education and believes that supporting educators, through fair pay, respect, and resources, is essential to student success.
In her partial retirement, when she is not working at Meridian, Kathy enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren and working on the family farm. Still, her connection to education remains strong. “I really can’t imagine not spending part of each week working with students,” she says.
Her advice to new educators is simple: don’t go at it alone. Seek out mentors, stay flexible, and approach the work with genuine care for students.
When reflecting on her legacy, Kathy hopes it’s not something easily seen, but something lived out in the everyday successes of her students. “I hope I’m remembered as someone who cared and worked hard to help students achieve their best.”
With Kathy’s 50 years, she and Joe have a combined dedication of 100 years to public school education. They remain steadfast in their belief in the power of public schools—and in the potential of every student they serve.
This story continues in a second feature highlighting Joe Gregg, offering his perspective and further insight into the Gregg family’s remarkable legacy in education.
