Get to know Morgan Oakley. Oakley is not only a graduate of Kentucky Wesleyan College but currently a Residential Director for Kendall Hall who works with the Wesleyan Student Life Office throughout the week. Oakley is currently enrolled at Western Kentucky University and is majoring in Student Affairs in Higher Education. Read the Q & A with Oakley to learn more about what Kentucky Wesleyan College means to her and the passion she has for wanting to help college students succeed.

What are some of the reasons you chose to come to Kentucky Wesleyan College and why?

There are several reasons why I chose Kentucky Wesleyan College, and it started in the 6^th grade. My granddad had season tickets to the Wesleyan basketball games from the time I was in 6^th grade until I graduated from high school. It was very rare that we would ever miss a game at the Sportscenter. When I was younger I looked up to those athletes and always said that Wesleyan would be “my school.” Every time my mom and I drove past Wesleyan, I would tell her to look because one day I would be graduating from there. I applied to Wesleyan, Brescia, Western Kentucky University, and the University of Kentucky. When I was a senior in high school, I went on a campus visit and immediately fell in love with the campus and everyone whom I encountered that day. I knew I had found the place I wanted to spend the next four years of my life. I haven’t regretted that decision once.

As a student at KWC what were some of your favorite memories/experiences?

I had so many great experiences while attending Wesleyan as a student. Academically I remember all of the one-on-one attention and help I was able to get from my professors when I needed it. I thoroughly enjoyed the Criminal Justice and Political Science classes that I took when I was a student. I learned so much information that is still applicable to my current career path. I was also a Student Ambassador while at KWC, and that experience helped prepare me for my future career path. Socially, I made some of my best friends and have so many awesome memories. There are several memories that stick out to me, but those will not be disclosed!

What is your current graduate program in and what made you want to pursue this career field?

My current graduate program is Student Affairs in Higher Education. Originally, I planned to attend law school after my graduation from Wesleyan, but after working in our Admissions office, I changed my mind. I was a work study student and a Student Ambassador in the Admissions Office for three years. I remember one person in particular who really helped me make the decision to pursue higher education was Erin DeJarnette. Erin was an admissions counselor and the advisor to the student ambassador program. She always encouraged me to pursue my love for helping college students and is the first person I told when I made the final decision to attend graduate school over law school. I learned so much from her professionalism and care for students. She always wanted to help prepare Wesleyan students for life after college and I can honestly say that if it wasn’t for Erin I may not have pursued higher education as a career. She challenged me every day to be better and do better. I owe her a lot.

As an RD, what is your job description?

As a Resident Director I supervise the Resident Assistants in Kendall Hall. I am on duty every Thursday night and on some weekends. When on duty, I respond to any situation within the residence halls that need assistance. I also help train the Resident Assistants at the beginning of each semester. What I like most about being an RD is that I get to know so many students, and they know I am one of their biggest supporters. If they need anything, they can always call/text me or even knock on my apartment door. I am always around to help in any way I can. Plus, I am within walking distance of my office!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?

Honestly, I have no idea where I will be five years from now. I hope to be in Owensboro and working at Kentucky Wesleyan College, but I want to work somewhere else for at least a few years. I think it would be more beneficial to me and KWC if I worked at another institution for a while and then brought back what I learned to further help Wesleyan. I know that I will have my Master’s degree and I hope to be working in the field of higher education, but other than that I am leaving it up to what God has planned for me.

Do you enjoy being back on campus? What are some of your favorite things to do?

I love being back on campus and working with current students. I have a passion for Wesleyan and the students here. All of the staff and faculty were such an influential part of my life that I hope to do the same for current students. My favorite thing to do is drag race. My family has been drag racing for more than twenty years. I do not get to participate as much as I used to, but I still love it. My favorite thing to do when I am not racing is read or watch movies.

What is it like being in school while having multiple other jobs? One word will answer this question: stressful. I love everything I do, but it can get really hard to balance everything sometimes. I have to plan a lot and make good use of a scheduling calendar.

What job opportunities do you have with your graduate program?

After I obtain my Master’s degree, I will be qualified for any administrative position on a college campus that is not academic, like jobs in student life, residence life, recruitment, and retention. I am most interested in careers dealing with student conduct, residence life, and retention.

What do you like to do for fun around Owensboro?

I love to bowl (even though I am not good at it), go to the movies, and walk the riverfront. I also love Orange Leaf, and it’s pretty much the way to my heart!

What is a typical Saturday night look like for you?

When graduate school is in session, you can find me buried under books in my apartment. However, when I am not overwhelmed with homework, I like to go out with my family and friends.

What are your duties when working with student life?

I do a little bit of everything in Student Life. Dean Kramer and Louise do a great job of letting me work with a variety of projects so that I am gaining valuable experience in multiple areas. I advise three committees on SAPB, and I am in charge of the SAPB budget. I help plan events and work with Dean Kramer on special projects.