Rudolph appointed as KWC’s career engagement specialist

Jan. 15—Kentucky Wesleyan College has hired Laura Rudolph as the new career engagement specialist at the campus. She started her job on January 4.

Rudolph will work with students and alumni on career exploration, résumé development and interview practice. She will also oversee existing programs, such as Leadership Wesleyan’s Panther Career Ally Program and Wesleyan at Work.

Rudolph stated that his combined work experience was what made him feel like he was the best fit for the job. “I’m a graduate of K-12 education. I have previously worked in customer service, business management, and business administration.”

Rudolph previously worked in marketing and management roles at Kentucky Utilities Company before moving into secondary education. Rudolph is currently working as a postsecondary educator for the first time. As a principal at North Middle School, she was an administrator in Henderson County Schools.

Rudolph, a Hopkins County Central High School teacher in business and technical, was involved in career paths, helping students to choose their majors and the career they want.

She said, “My interest in that really bonded, and that was why I was interested at KWC.” “It was my strength from the beginning, moving from business to high-school education, and my passion to talk with students about their future aspirations and how they can get there.

Rudolph said Rudolph believed that this aspect of Rudolph’s career was the core of her KWC position.

She said, “This is what I love doing and feel the most strongly about.”

KWC merged the Career Exploration and Alumni Relations department in 2022 to create the career engagement specialist position.

“This job was not available before under Alumni Relations. Rudolph stated, “I believe that was one of my reasons I was hired.” Rudolph said, “I will develop the relationship between alumni students. The Alumni Relations team has great relationships with alumni as well as the business community.

Rudolph stated that KWC alumni feel strongly about the college, and they love to be involved.

She said, “The marriage between alumni and careers allows us to use those relationships for the benefit of helping existing students.” “They depend on each other.” Students need to be able to shadow and work in order for them to be successful.

Rudolph holds two positions at KWC, she stated.

She said, “I will supervise events, but it is also my pleasure to have one-on-one conversations with students to help them understand their needs.”

Rudolph expressed her admiration for KWC’s faculty and staff, as well as their passion about students and alumni.

She stated, “It is just an incredible spot.” “… I am not an alumni but I wish I was.”

Rudolph earned a bachelor’s degree from Western Kentucky University in marketing/economics and three master’s degrees — master of business administration from the University of Kentucky; master of arts in teaching from Eastern Kentucky University; and education specialist from University of the Cumberlands.