COMMUNICATOR
September 27, 2023

Q&A with CSU representative: Kerry Elison

How long have you worked as an Outreach representative?
I came onboard with CSU in January 2013.

Which degree program(s) do you represent?
Currently, I represent the criminal justice and business degree programs.

What do you enjoy most when meeting with partners?
Since CSU is a strictly online university, it is exciting to know that, as Outreach reps, we get to be the ones to establish that face-to-face relationship. We may be the only people that a prospect, student or learning partner will ever meet from the university.

Please share an interesting story about one of your travels.
In February of this year, I attended the Alabama Association of Fire Chiefs. I had a vendor approach me who had just completed her degree with CSU. She proceeded to tell me that while she was attending school, her marriage was ending and she received full custody of her five boys. She was able to push through it all and complete her bachelor’s degree. When I asked her what kept her going, she said the chance for her boys to see her walk across the stage at graduation. CSU really does change people’s lives.

Describe your most memorable moment from one of your travels.
I would say my most memorable travel moment happened just recently. I was coming back from a trip right around the time we had those terrible storms in the South at the end of April. Unfortunately, I had my first experience flying through a lightning storm. Pretty frightening. Turns out, we actually couldn’t land in Pensacola and we were diverted back to Atlanta. I wasn’t able to fly out until the next afternoon. I was without luggage for a day. I will never take brushing my teeth or changing my clothes for granted again.

What are you top three travel tips and why?

  • Always pack a change of clothes, medication and a toothbrush in your carry on.
  • Avoid flying the day after holidays, flights are ALWAYS oversold and airports are crazy.
  • Snacks are important on long travel days.

Where is your favorite place for travel and why?
I love traveling anywhere out West. Last week, I was fortunate enough to travel to Montana for some learning partner visits and two conferences. Montana has such beautiful landscapes and the people there are so welcoming and hospitable. Definitely a memorable trip.

What quote inspires you most?
“You have to participate relentlessly in the manifestation of your own blessings.”                                                                                             — Elizabeth Gilbert

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2 Comments

  1. Marilyn Smith

    Kerry is such a great co-worker because she’s always looking for a new way to promote CSU and help change lives with what the school offers in education and professional development.

    Loved getting to know her better with this article. Great work!

  2. Obadiah Rouse

    Had it not been for Kerry’s visit to Bozeman I would have never learned about CSU. I am now close to finishing my Bachelors.

    Thanks for taking your time to talk with us. That was a marker on my path I can look back on as a positive and life changing experience.