Kelly Collins ’10 is both an alumna and a staff member of the College, currently serving as a campus safety officer. Kelly’s drive to work in campus safety stems from her desire to help others, especially by creating a safe and welcoming environment for students.
What brought you to OC, and why do you love OC?
I was looking for a college to complete my bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and wanted small class sizes to help me succeed. The University of Olivet was one of the first colleges to accept women, and the first graduating class was comprised of three women. It was that history that ultimately made me decide to come to The University of Olivet.
I love The University of Olivet because of the way the staff and faculty know you by name and not by a number, like bigger schools may. This made me feel like I mattered and was part of the The University of Olivet family.
What is your favorite memory from your time at OC?
My favorite memory of my time at OC would be having a student I mentored come to me and tell me they were going to graduate. They thanked me for pushing them and helping them succeed in being the first member of their family to graduate from college.
Where does your passion for working in Campus Safety stem from?
My passion for working in Campus Safety stems from wanting to help others during their time of need, much like law enforcement officers/first responders do, but in an academic setting. I love getting to meet new students. I also enjoy watching students grow into mature adults or watching quiet students come out of their shells to become leaders on campus.
What’s the average day in your role, or some of the unique things you are responsible for?
My average day is patrolling campus and talking to students about whatever is going on in their lives, whether it be class work, how their team is doing or the weather that day.
A few of the unique things I am responsible for are creating the Annual Security Report and submitting the College’s Clery data to the Department of Education.
Why do you encourage students to attend OC?
I encourage students to attend OC to be part of a family that helps you reach your goals and knows you on a personal level. If students want professors who care about them and their success, they should choose The University of Olivet. Lastly, I remind students to get involved in the numerous clubs available on campus. There is a club for everyone to join, whether you’re into athletics, gaming, the environment or academics.
What do you look forward to in your role?
I love to work Homecoming events, and I enjoy hearing alumni tell stories about The University of Olivet from alumni and why they still love the OC.
I also like working/attending Commencement and seeing all our students succeed by walking up to get the degree they worked so hard for. I also enjoy wishing students success in all they do as they move on from The University of Olivet.
What is an interesting or little-known fact about yourself?
One of my favorite hobbies is working on my flower gardens and creating flower gardens for others.
Learn more about The University of Olivet by contacting the Office of Admissions at 800-456-7189 or admissions@uolivet.edu.
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