PRINT     EMAIL

SRJC VP smiles through life’s endeavors

Michaela James, Staff Writer
Published: November 18, 2009

Two women sit across a table from one another laughing. One sits comfortably, her legs crossed on a vinyl office chair. The other woman, VP Mary Kay Rudolph, is shoeless. She hugs one leg against her chest while swinging the other above the floor. What most can’t see is these women aren’t friends lounging at a mid-day lunch. They are colleagues discussing issues imperative to SRJC’s success.

Mary Kay Rudolph, SRJC’s vice president of Academic Affairs and Kerry Campbell-Price, dean of Continuing Education contemplated where SRJC’s soccer team would play and practice while the soccer field was under construction. They quickly discussed issues of finance and location and solved as the two work through the meeting’s agenda. They never interrupt one another and listen intently to each other’s ideas.

As the meeting closes, Rudolph slips her blue patent heels back on her feet. Both women rise from their chairs, meet at the door and hug goodbye. This is just one of the bi-weekly meetings Rudolph conducts with seven deans from various SRJC departments, all with the same casual yet professional demeanor that drives her prosperous career and relationships.

“She really knows how to run a meeting. Because of her psychological background, it really helps group dynamics but at the same time offers levity and humor,” said Abraham Farkas, SRJC dean of Curriculum of Educational Support.

Every Friday Rudolph sends out an email to all the deans that adds “comic relief ” to the chaotic workweek, Farkas said. The emails are filled with inspirational, humorous quotes and photos that lighten the serious overtone felt with the on-going budget cuts and economic uncertainty.

“[Mary Kay] is without a doubt the best manager…and she wears the best shoes on the planet,” said Fran Golden, executive assistant to Rudolph.

Beside her obvious fashion sense, Rudolph is everything she seems to be at first glance: organized, successful, intelligent and passionate. Yet, step into her brown brickcolored office and it’s apparent what she holds dear. Dozens of photographs of family and friends line the walls and bookshelves.Degrees and certificates dot adjacent walls, and the “Rosie the Riveter” doll still in its original packaging sits next to a jar of peppermint patties. Star Wars figurines, a pink construction hat and a Pink Panther poster illustrate the humor she brings to SRJC each day.

Meetings, conference calls, more than 200 daily e-mails and stacks of endless paperwork swamp an eight-hour day at SRJC and the countless hours of overtime at home. It’s hard to imagine Rudolph’s stressful workweek can be a stimulating career. Yet, what underlines the seemingly humdrum day is the passion and effervescence Rudolph exudes. Making phone calls, she never fails to start conversations with a cheerful “Hello” and a rhythmic laugh.

When reflecting on her accomplishments over the past four years at SRJC, Rudolph believes the most critical part of her job is assisting with faculty hiring. The faculty members are responsible for SRJC’s unbeatable reputation, and they influence the students success as well, Rudolph said.

Rudolph’s everyday responsibilities concern all aspects of SRJC’s daily functions, from compiling the new semester schedules to addressing emergency preparedness issues. Her signature approves travel and retirement requests, and she is responsible for more than 1,000 SRJC faculty and staff.

“I can help shape the health of the college for future generations; indirectly I help students everyday,” Rudolph said.

Colleagues have a lasting impression of Rudolph that leaves them overflowing with words when asked to describe her.

SRJC President, Dr. Robert Agrella, describes Rudolph as hardworking, innovative and outgoing. She thinks quickly and creatively, is always willing to take on a challenge “and she seems to have a great family life.”

“She goes and makes it a point to connect with people and has an open door working style,” said Maria Gaitan, executive assistant to President Agrella.

Colleagues praise Rudolph’s quick thinking, calming mannerism and witty personality. But, what most don’t know is what has shaped her demeanor and how she came to command attention and respect.

Pages: 1 2

 PRINT     EMAIL

Comments

blog comments powered by Disqus