Kris Palcho came to Kent State University feeling connected from her very first visit as a high school student. From the start, she remembers the interest that faculty and staff took in her learning and success and has always felt a part of the Kent ‘family’. “In all aspects of my life I’ve tried to pay forward that spirit of care for and interest in others,” she said.
Kris graduated from Kent State University in 1990 with a bachelor's degree in general studies (BGS) and a minor in flight technology. In 2016, she graduated with a master's of public administration with an emphasis on public policy. Now, Kris works for the Federal Aviation Association, Flight Standards Service Leadership Development Branch as a Leadership Coach and Team Development consultant.
Kris's story provides a realistic depiction of what many students may encounter during their time pursuing an undergraduate degree. Leaning into other priorities, Kris graduated with her undergraduate degree in approximately eight years. She was able to combine her love for English and passion for flying, putting her ahead of her time in pursuing an academic experience with a multidisciplinary approach. This approach to her studies enabled her to lay the foundation in her education and quest for life-long learning, begin her development as a whole person through self-exploration in her studies, and launched her into a career path where she is able to continue her love of personal connection while giving back to the place that helped her to be authentic.
Kris was able to articulate her experience by completing a self-guided questionnaire and participating in a good old-fashioned phone conversation with Alyssa Robinson, director of strategic communications and external relations (yes - that is correct; not a Zoom call).
Here is what Kris had to say:
Kris is an active member of the CAE family, participating in many different capacities. When Kris was asked what keeps her engaged with CAE 30 years after graduating with her bachelor's degree, her response was rooted in CAE core values. Kris is the epitome of excellence; she has an ongoing and undying commitment to aviation safety and genuine excitement for collaborating with students in the facilitation of their learning process. “Students have so much energy - so much vibrance. They are genuinely excited to be learning. They ask questions.”
Kris is an asset to our CAE family and we look forward to the opportunity for continued growth and collaboration as we continue to grow in might in the CAE.