Kim Dale
Western Wyoming Community College
Rock Springs, WY USA
"Don't forget to advocate for yourself."
Career Roadmap
Kim's work combines: Education, Government, and Helping People
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Columbine High School
Bachelor's Degree
Business Education
Metropolitan State College of Denver
Graduate Degree
Management and Organization
University of Colorado at Denver
Doctorate
Educational Leadership and Human Resource Studies
Colorado State University
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a College President:
Bachelor's Degree: Business Education
Graduate Degree: Management and Organization
Doctorate: Educational Leadership and Human Resource Studies
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
1.
A master's degree was required to teach college. I enrolled in a program, at the displeasure of my then-husband.
2.
Gave birth to twins during my master's program. Already had a four-year-old. Finished this two-year program in six years. Never gave up.
3.
Decided to enroll in a PhD program to pursue college administration positions.
4.
Got divorced, was a single mom of three teenagers, my dad got sick and passed away.
5.
Met and married my biggest champion.
6.
After eight years in the program, finished the PhD. This was a four-year program. Never gave up.
7.
Became a dean and later moved to a neighboring state to become an executive vice president of a community college.
8.
Moved to Wyoming to become president of Western Wyoming Community College, my dream job.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Family:
Teachers don't make any money and are undervalued. Why do you have to spend all that time and money going back to school? Is it really worth it to get all those degrees?
How I responded:
Follow your passion and the job(s) / money will come. Put job satisfaction and the desire to help others before financial reward. Yes, there were times I had more than one job, and it was tough at times. But I loved teaching and later loved supporting teachers as an administrator, all in the name of helping students and communities thrive. Don't forget to advocate for yourself. There are naysayers everywhere. Stay positive and focused and you will succeed!