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Kelly Dries
Executive Director - Dynamic Advocate for Staff Growth & Development - Manager of Change -
Professional Background
Kelly Dries serves as the Executive Director for the Office of Career & Professional Development at the University of Redlands. In this prominent role, Kelly oversees a dynamic integration of career education across the campus with a vision to create a robust ecosystem for career development. With a strong background in student affairs and a passion for empowering both students and staff, Kelly's career has consistently centered around providing vital tools and resources aimed at fostering professional success.
Prior to her significant contributions at the University of Redlands, Kelly nurtured her skills and expertise through diverse positions in the education sector. She began her professional journey as an educator in the Maryland Public School System, laying a solid foundation in education that has informed her current work in higher education. Subsequently, Kelly gained valuable research experience at an elite Pediatric Research Institute in Maryland, where she honed her analytical skills and contributed to vital research in child health.
In her current capacity, Kelly’s leadership acumen is exemplified by her accolades, including the prestigious Mountain Pacific Association of Colleges & Employers (MPACE) Rising Star of the Year Award in 2016. She also recognized the importance of ongoing professional development early in her career, having received the Management Leadership Institute Scholarship in 2015, which enhanced her leadership capabilities and networking skills.
Kelly's commitment to career and professional development extends beyond her current role. She is actively involved with the Mountain Pacific Association of Colleges & Employers as the Director for Professional Development and Education and has played a key role in the MPACE Conference Planning Committee for the past six years. Her commitment to professional growth reflects her dedication to fostering an environment that values both networking and continuous learning within the career services domain.
Education and Achievements
Kelly Dries's educational journey is both impressive and indicative of her dedication to the field of education and leadership. She completed her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of Utah, where her research focused on women's experiences in higher education. This specialized area of study not only underscores her commitment to gender equity in academia but also enhances her effectiveness as a leader in a predominantly female-focused area of career services.
Previously, she earned her Master's Degree in Professional Studies with a focus on Student Affairs from Towson University, showcasing her deep understanding of student needs and institutional dynamics. Her undergraduate studies culminated in a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education English from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, further solidifying her foundational understanding of education and teaching practices.
Kelly's academic achievements and practical experiences empower her in her current role, where she is known for her strategic vision in career center transformation and the professional development of staff. She employs strengths-based theories to foster personal growth, which has enabled her to forge strong relationships within the University community.
Community Involvement and Professional Organizations
Kelly Dries's involvement in various professional organizations illustrates her commitment to advancing the field of higher education and student affairs. Notably, she has served on the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) board, which emphasizes her leadership within a national community aimed at promoting professional standards in student affairs.
Her dedication to community well-being is evident through her involvement with the Rape Recovery Center Board and the Journal for Women in Higher Education review board. By contributing to these organizations, Kelly demonstrates her unwavering support for at-risk populations and her commitment to enhancing the representation and experiences of women in higher education.
In her role as Executive Director at the University of Redlands, Kelly continues to build upon her existing skills in change management, strategic planning, and mentorship. Her specialties encompass a wide range of areas including staff development, leadership training, and effective career education strategies—proving her to be a well-rounded authority in her field.
Skills and Expertise
Kelly Dries’s skill set is expansive and reflects her diverse experiences within education and career services. She possesses a keen ability in staff development, leveraging her strengths in empathy, positivity, and a strong desire to help others grow. Her approach is deeply rooted in strengths-based theory, allowing her to mentor and coach individuals effectively.
Some of Kelly's additional specialties include
