Posted: January 27, 2024
When it comes to the inner workings of Northwest College and all its happenings, no one else can offer the insights or perspective of Keli Borders. She has been a full-time, part-time, traditional, and non-traditional student at the college, has worked in a variety of roles as an employee since 2006, and now serves as Executive Secretary for the President & Board of Trustees, a position she’s held for the last three years.
Keli has lived in Powell nearly her entire life, so it was natural she’d end up at Northwest College as a student. She originally attended as a business major in the early 90s, but as Keli says, “life happened”, and she ended up leaving school. She came back though in 2002, this time as a criminal justice major, but when her priorities changed again, she was a little short of graduating before joining the staff as Division Secretary in Visual & Performing Arts. As those who know Keli can attest, her combination of job skills and personality made her a good fit anywhere on campus, and she’s had the opportunity to work in academics, student services, college relations, and administrative services.
As someone who has been both student and employee, Keli speaks glowingly of the faculty and staff who help NWC students achieve their goals, including her own. That includes former registrar Brad Hammond, who was among those who pushed her to finish her degree, knowing how close she was.
“The instructors here had such a lasting impact on my life. When I had difficult times, the people here supported me when I felt like I didn’t have a solution, and no one let me fall through the cracks.”
Keli earned her degree in 2016 and has remained an important part of the college while building a family and successful career. She and her husband are heavily involved in American Legion Baseball as well as local high school sports, supporting their children and other young athletes they know. It’s similar to why Keli enjoys working at NWC.
“You get to know certain students, help them through their struggles, and then see their success. It’s really fulfilling to me. I just think this is a wonderful place. I thought that as a student and feel that way now as an employee.”