Have you ever wondered what goes into recruiting the next class for the College of Humanities of Sciences? Kennedy Edmonds, CHS recruitment coordinator, spends her days thinking of just this. She is responsible for developing and recruiting prospective undergraduate students by implementing strategies that align with goals of VCU.
When she’s not in the office, you’ll find her in the classroom: Kenedy is currently enrolled in a certificate postback program for teaching English as a second language. Learn more about Kenedy below.
Describe your role as recruitment coordinator for CHS.
I came to CHS in 2021, but prior I served as the recruitment coordinator in VCU’s School of Education for three years. I am the first line of contact for prospective students. In my role, I share information about the programs and opportunities that exist within the humanities and sciences. I am connecting with students and helping them see the best version of VCU possible as they consider this as their future academic home.
What's your favorite part about your job?
I enjoy working with students. They keep me hipped and they’re fun. I just think they are very optimistic. Students are passionate about creating change in whatever capacity that may look like for them. I love meeting students and their families. I like learning about how their experiences impact what they want to study at VCU.
I heard VCU is a family affair. How does it feel to have your mom working at VCU and fiancé working at VCU Health? Was that planned ?
No, that was not planned; it just happened. My mom, dad and brother are all alumni of VCU. VCU has always been in the family and I always talk about how this is a great place to work, so I guess they wanted to be like me. Ha. It is nice to have my mom on campus, just in case I forget my lunch. My mom works as the academic affairs coordinator for the School of Education, and my fiancé just started as a psychologist with VCU Health.
Outside of work, what projects are you working on right now?
I’m finishing my ESL teaching certificate and I’m completing an externship through the Global Education Office's English Language Program. I teach and tutor students to help them develop the foundational speaking and listening skills needed to participate in English language environments.
I also got engaged last year and I’m also excited to host my family and friends in Richmond in August for our wedding. It is very non-traditional and we are incorporating some of our favorite businesses, like Unlocking RVA and the Richmond Flower Truck, on our special day.
What is a quote or saying that you live by?
I have two quotes that I live by. “One of one, the only one,” by Beyoncé in her song, “I’m That Girl.” Another one of my favorites is from Audre Lorde, “When I dare to be powerful - to use my strength in the service of my vision - then it becomes less and less important whether I’m afraid.”
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I would like to get engaged more with staff that work with current students. That way, we can learn more ways to support our prospective students. I want people to know that I am always here as a resource. Recruitment touches every part of the undergraduate experience, so really thinking about how we can be innovative and open to that.