Kelly McCorkle has represented the state of South Carolina in the Miss America pageant, worked for Jim DeMint in his bid to become a senator and traveled around the world as a contestant on CBS’ “Amazing Race.” Now she will lead the office of alumni affairs for her alma mater, North Greenville University.
McCorkle’s previous jobs and life experiences will benefit her in her new role. “Because of what I have been involved in, I have made contacts across the state and the nation,” said McCorkle, of Greenville. “As Miss South Carolina, I became comfortable with public speaking. Working for Jim DeMint during an election year taught me a lot about fundraising and event planning. The ‘Amazing Race’ allowed me to experience so many different things. I can relate to all kinds of people now. In my most recent job, working for a marketing firm in Greenville, I picked up information on marketing to utilize in promoting the school.”
McCorkleFor someone who has been around the world, it was her time as a student that brought the 2001 graduate back to Tigerville. “I am passionate about this job because so many students were, and are, touched during their time here,” said McCorkle. “Many become Christians here; some are called to the ministry or missions; some meet their spouses. Ever since I graduated, I have told people about North Greenville, so it is nice that it is now part of my job. I really feel this is where God wants me.”
She comes to NGU ready to expand current programs and implement new ones. “I want students to be enthusiastic about the student alumni council,” said McCorkle. “Through networking with alumni, I want this to be beneficial to the students who join, to make it easier for them to find a job when they graduate. We are forming a Parents Alumni Association, where parents of current students get to have input into the direction the school is headed. We are looking at forming alumni groups across the state. Soon, we will be starting an e-mail newsletter for alumni to let them know what is happening on campus.”
McCorkle’s new position of associate director for alumni affairs is part of a broader reorganization of the development office at North Greenville University. Development is now its own entity, with the office for university advancement, led by Wilson Nelson, overseeing both alumni affairs and public relations. LaVerne Howell, of Greenville, has become the associate director for public relations and stewardship. Aaron Earls, of Blacksburg, is now the assistant to public relations and webmaster.