[Poteau, Oklahoma] – Carl Albert State College is delighted to announce the appointment of Kelly Vongnarath as the new Vice President of Student Life. With over fifteen years of experience in higher education, Kelly brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for student success to her role at Carl Albert State College.
Kelly’s extensive background includes roles such as Academic Success Advisor at the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education (ACHE) in Fort Smith, Advising Coordinator for the College of STEM at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith (UAFS), Director of Upward Bound Math/Science at UAFS, Director of New Student Orientation, Adjunct Professor at Texas A&M University-Commerce, and Campus Visit Coordinator at Northwest Missouri State University.
Kelly holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and a Master of Higher Education Leadership from Northwest Missouri State University. Currently pursuing her Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership from Arkansas State University, Kelly is committed to continuous learning and professional development.
Reflecting on her philosophy, Kelly believes that with the right mindset and hard work, one can achieve their dreams.
Born in Hannibal, Missouri, Kelly grew up as the youngest of three girls. She and her husband Thomas, along with their three children Jaelyn (11), Zion (2), and Zoey (1), now call Poteau, Oklahoma, home.
Dr. Jay Falkner, President of Carl Albert State College, expressed his enthusiasm for Kelly’s appointment, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Kelly to our team. Her extensive experience, dedication to student success, and leadership abilities make her the ideal candidate to lead our Student Life department. We look forward to the positive impact she will have on our college community.”
As the new Vice President of Student Life, Kelly will play a pivotal role in enhancing the student experience, fostering a supportive campus environment, and promoting student engagement and success.
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