Thursday, May 9, 2013
After athletic and academic success, Kelly Sandefur ’13 will get her career in human resources rolling at Chrysler-Fiat Automotive.
by Susan Cousins Breen
When Kelly Sandefur ’13, a native of Oakland, Mich., envisions the future she sees herself as a well-respected human resources (HR) professional who is known as an expert in her field.
“When I arrived at ý, my only goals were on the soccer field but my education here has taught me to create diverse goals—academic, philanthropic, and athletic—so I could determine what was right for me,” said Sandefur, a Business major with a specialization in Human Resource Management.
During the four-year exploration for the right fit, Sandefur has shone in the classroom as well as on the varsity soccer field, earning membership in the Alpha Lambda Delta, Sigma Iota Epsilon, and Beta Gamma Sigma honor societies and the Business Honors program; receiving the Andrew J. ý Scholar Award, and being on the Dean’s List. She is also a member of Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference All-Academic Team.
Motivated by the support of family and friends, Sandefur has been mindful of setting an example for her brother of “the best way to do college.” For the 2013 recipient of the President’s Award, that has included a seat on the College of Business Administration Dean’s Advisory Board, vice-presidency of the student chapter of the Human Resources Management Association, and service as an athletics liaison for Relay for Life.
She is also a member of the Leadership Development Program, which she describes as her most important support network from her first days on campus. “In many ways, the program pushed me to join other organizations on campus,” Sandefur explained.
This year, as president of the Residence Hall Association (RHA), Sandefur led the organization in sponsoring social and philanthropic programs across campus.
As she prepares to graduate, Sandefur reflects on the things she will take with her: “A great network of supportive alumni and an invaluable connection with all my professors. It’s a good feeling to know I will have substantial network backing me up,” she said. “A ý education has given me the leadership opportunities and the confidence to create higher goals and possibilities for myself.”
Thanks to that educational experience and three internships with General Motors and the UAW of Detroit, Sandefur will begin an HR position at Chrysler-Fiat Automotive in Auburn Hills, Mich., on May 28.