Students’ success and happiness is what’s most important to Kim McAlexander, who has worked for the College of Public Health and Human Sciences for more than 20 years.
Throughout her nearly 25-year career at Oregon State, Kim has served as a student services administrator, academic advisor, head advisor and most recently the college’s coordinator of recent alumni and career readiness initiatives.
She’s helped countless students navigate their way through college – both academically and personally – and has touched the lives of many.
The college sent Kim off in style by co-hosting a farewell party with lawn games, food, wine and friends and colleagues.
She plans to take advantage of retirement by traveling and spending time with her husband, children and grandkids.
But this isn’t the last we’ll see of Kim – in addition to volunteering at Oregon State, watching OSU football games from inside Reser Stadium and campus coffee breaks, Kim friendships will last a lifetime.
“What a wonderful advocate for our students!” says Professor Megan McClelland. “Kim has been a passionate ambassador for our students and has been instrumental in helping them find their passion and career path. She is also a great and fun colleague! I will miss her, but am excited for her as she enters this next phase of her life.”
“Kim has made extraordinary marks on this campus – on the institution, advising, the college and on so many individuals, including colleagues and students,” says BioPop Head Academic Advisor Carey Hilbert. “From the early rumblings of the merger of HHP and HOEC, there was a mixture of uncertainty, tension and excitement. Kim handled it all with grace and poise. Once she took the helm as head advisor, she led the advising team through the transition with assuredness and positivity. She helped create a special work place where we shared some fantastic memories and difficult life journeys. We laughed, cried, grew professionally and as friends and always knew we were there for each other. She was, and remains, a great leader.”
“I would say that I learned a great deal from Kim, both working professionally under her and as a peer,” says Instructor and MPH Internship Coordinator Faith Vawter. “Kim’s passion for students at OSU and our college in particular is evident, and she has dedicated her career to helping prepare them for life after college. I am sorry to see her go, and I know her valuable contributions will be greatly missed!”
“KIM: Kind, Intelligent and a Mentor,” says Gerontology Coordinator Sunita Vasdev. “Kim has been a wonderful friend to share a lot of laughs and tears with. She will be missed at work, but I know she will be in my life for a long time to come.”
“Kim is such an inspiration – to me, to students and to everyone’s lives she’s touched in her years at Oregon State,” says Multimedia Communications Specialist Heather Turner. “She’s always there to listen, offer advice and make you laugh. I truly will miss her – and our coffee breaks – but this is not goodbye, it’s see you soon!”
“Student-focused, compassionate and dedicated to OSU are how I would describe Kim,” says Accreditation and Assessment Manager JoAnne Bunnage. “It has been an honor to work alongside her the past two years and gain insights about our college and university from an extraordinary student services professional. We all wish Kim much happiness during the next exciting phase of her journey, and I am thankful she’s not leaving the area. My days can still be brightened with a phone call, email or chat in the neighborhood.”
“Kim McAlexander is an amazing woman!” says Assistant Professor Megan MacDonald. “She’s always smiling, and her thoughtfulness shines through in all that she does. I met Kim early on during the first year that I lived in Corvallis. She was so helpful and welcomed me in with open arms. I will miss Kim tremendously, but I’m excited for this next chapter for her!”