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Now former Internship Coordinator Diane Kirkham has always thought of herself as a matchmaker.
She began her professional career as a leasing agent. From there she went to work for Peckham in Charlotte, where she helped people with disabilities find jobs. Even in her most recent positions, as administrative assistant to the provost, then as internship coordinator, Kirkham refined her matchmaking art by pairing students with business owners, internships, and professional connections. Now, Kirkham leaves Olivet College to continue her matchmaking journey as a real estate agent in Charlotte.
Kirkham came to Olivet College in 2006 as the administrative assistant for Provost Norma Curtis. Throughout the transition from Curtis to Provost Maria Davis, Kirkham kept her position at Olivet. Kirkham said, “Often the students who came to the provost’s office were under significant stress. I always enjoyed offering encouragement, guidance, and comfort to those students. I believe that set me up well for my next position.”
In 2015, Davis and other faculty were looking for a way to improve job placement and professional development for students at Olivet. They decided on creating a new position called internship coordinator. Given Kirkham’s skill, Davis encouraged her to apply for the position.
For Kirkham, her position was always about, “helping students achieve their best, and helping them grow throughout their college years.”
Kirkham said, “I have enjoyed working with all Olivet College employees and students and will miss them as I move forward in my new adventure.”