(photo by Russ Houston, © Mississippi State University)
Leading Young alumni to reconnect with the University, Kristen Dechert ’03 serves as the new Junior Alumni Board president.
Dechert earned her bachelor’s degree in English from UM and went on to earn a master’s in English from Mississippi State University. She currently serves as the communication director at the Research and Curriculum Unit at Mississippi State, but has missed her home away from home.
“I loved the close-knit community at Montevallo,” said Dechert. “The atmosphere was more familial than at large universities where it’s hard to meet people outside your immediate sphere of influence. After living in Mississippi for a few years, I found myself less connected to the University and wanted to change that.”
Although the family feel of Montevallo was her favorite thing as a student, now she feels most proud of UM’s dedication to fostering the student voice.
“Montevallo encourages students to collaborate with professors and to practice using their voices with purpose,” said Dechert. “This commitment translates to graduates who can use their voices for good in their workplaces, communities and beyond.”
At first, getting involved with the UM Junior Board was a way for Dechert to reconnect with old friends, but it quickly evolved into something much more meaningful.
“I realized it was a way for me to thank Montevallo for all she had given me, and to help ensure the University is successful for years to come,” said Dechert.
During her time as president, she plans to uphold the goals of the current president, Jeff Purvis ’02, as well as to work hard to achieve goals of her own. Dechert hopes to endow a second scholarship in addition to the leadership scholarship the board offers now, reach alumni chapters outside Birmingham and offer support to young alumni in the early years of their careers. Some of her ideas to reach these goals include networking events, soft-skills training and an emphasis on mentorship.
“Come to one of our events to have a good time, and while you’re there, talk to us about your ideas for how we can better serve you and the Montevallo community,” said Dechert. “If you can’t make it to an event, you are always free to email me with your ideas and feedback at kristen.dechert@gmail.com.”