Linda Hutson’s legacy of excellence and compassion
Linda Hutson, the finance director for the veterinary hospitals, is retiring later this month after working at CSU for 26 years.
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Linda Hutson has modeled what it means to be a dedicated colleague who leads with integrity and never forgets that behind every policy are real people whose lives she’s privileged to influence. When she retires later this month, the legacy she leaves is one of unfailing dedication to the hospital, its staff, clients, and patients.
Hutson, the finance director for the veterinary hospitals, has been working at CSU for 26 years. She started her CSU career in Facilities Management, and soon after transitioned to working for the hospitals, where she spent the last 24 years.
Hutson has been instrumental in building systems and practices that have made the hospital more efficient, understanding not just how things work, but why they work that way. Her financial leadership, guidance on major system transitions, and creation of internal financial structures will serve the hospital for years to come.
Jon Stocking, retired director of operations for the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, worked with Linda for nearly 20 years. He witnessed Hutson’s hard work and wisdom contribute to a greater understanding of the immense value the hospital offers to the college, the University, and the community.
“Linda skillfully advocated for the hospital by recognizing the competing needs and value of others to yield meaningful results for all involved,” Stocking said. “Financial management sometimes requires sharing unfavorable but critical information. Linda consistently did this with grace and undying patience.”
Leading with integrity
When Chad Johannes, VHS Clinical Care executive director, first arrived at CSU, he quickly realized how Linda’s leadership had a profound impact on patients and the team. “Her perseverance in moving forward with the 10 percent across-the-board salary increase for state classified employees was monumental,” he said. Linda’s willingness to help others and provide invaluable insights made her the kind of colleague who influenced others to do their best work.
“Linda has been the backbone of our operations in so many ways. She’s mentored countless colleagues, always putting the hospital’s mission and our patients’ well-being at the center of every decision,” Johannes said. “She represents the very best of what our hospital stands for: integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.”
Cheryl Bersagel worked with Linda for many years and experienced firsthand the imprint of her mentorship. Her favorite memories are simply the conversations she had with Linda as she learned from her insightful perspectives.
“She has been a wonderful mentor who is always available with guidance, feedback, and encouragement whenever I need it,” Bersagel said. “I’m incredibly thankful for the time I’ve had with her, and I feel truly lucky to have worked with someone in her caliber. Linda leaves behind a legacy of leadership, integrity, and kindness.”
Hutson is widely recognized for her integrity. Just last week, she won the college’s Living Our Values Award for integrity, serving as the exclamation point on her legacy.
Hutson’s presence, wisdom, and her ability to see the bigger picture while never losing sight of the human element will be deeply missed. Her commitment to the hospital has always been personal. The culture of excellence and compassion she’s helped foster will forever be her true legacy.