Robert Kues, a biology professor at Northern Kentucky University and a teacher at Holy Cross District High School, died on Tuesday.
Kues joined NKU in 1998 and was a longstanding member of its Biology Department, according to an email from NKU President Dr. Ashish Vaidya. Kues is survived by Molly, his partner for more than 20 years.
"Rob loved teaching and inspiring his students," Vaidya wrote. "He did not have any biological children, but his colleagues said he considered his students as his own. Teaching was truly his calling and his passion."
Kues also taught science at Holy Cross District High School for 27 years, full-time for the first 21 years and then part-time teaching dual-credit NKU Biology to students at Holy Cross, Newport Central Catholic and Bishop Brossart.
“He always challenged the students to do more than they ever thought they could,” HCDHS principal Mike Holtz said in a statement. “He had a gift of explaining the complex to make it seem simple. He was a tremendous mentor for new teachers. He made an impact on the lives of people that will last a lifetime.”
“I grieve with the Holy Cross District High School family and offer my prayerful support to the school community on the passing of Mr. Kues,” said Bishop Roger Foys. “May he rest in in the peace, light and life which is Christ.”
Vaidya encouraged NKU students affected by Kues's passing to reach out to the university's Health, Counseling, and Student Wellness counselors, and faculty and staff to use the university's Employee Assistance Program.
