Kelly Herbolich is the program director of Academic Support for Student Development at Saint Louis University.

This week, we sat down and talked to her about her life and job at SLU.

Where did you grow up? Lexington, Kentucky. GO UK!!!

Where did you go to college? What degrees do you have? I have a B.A. in political science from Transylvania University and an M.Ed. in Higher Education and Student Affairs from the University of South Carolina.

What is your favorite thing about SLU? The students – they are so friendly and dedicated to SLU values and ideals.

What projects do you oversee? Why are they important? SLU’s tutoring and Supplemental Instruction programs are what originally brought me. As time has passed, I have been able to work with First Year Experience programs such as U101 and First-Year Dialogue. Most recently I have been involved with the First-Year summer reading program. We selected “Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption” by Bryan Stevenson for the Class of 2020.

What do you find most rewarding about your job that makes it all worthwhile? I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to work with faculty members. For example, I have been working with Dr. Stuart Slavin and the School of Medicine regarding the mental health of freshman students and utilizing First-Year Experience programs such as U101 to integrate mindfulness skills.

What do you wish SLU students knew? I wish that students realized that in five years, the things that feel really stressful now, like a bad test grade, end up being okay and it all works out in the end!

What are your hobbies? Painting and watching “Dateline.”

What do you like most about your office? I love my Russian stacking dolls in my office.

Are there any political or social issues that you feel passionately about? Reading “Just Mercy” felt like a great introduction into our criminal justice system, specifically the prosecution of young, non-violent offenders and people with mental disabilities.

Favorite ice cream flavor? Graeter’s Black Raspberry Chip Ice Cream.

What are the thoughts on the new Billiken? I love the printed version; I will need some time to adjust to the new mascot.