Holly Kartchner recognized as 2019 Be a Bengal winner
Holly Kartchner, the College of Arts and Letters’ director of outreach and retention, has been selected by Idaho State University as a 2019 Be a Bengal winner.
In order to celebrate employees who embody the spirit of Idaho State, the university rolled out the Be a Bengal recognition program in 2019, soliciting nominations for employees who exemplified trust, compassion, stability and hope. Employees were recognized in each category, and Kartchner was selected out of all these nominees to receive the top “Hope” award.
“Over the last couple of years we’ve talked a lot about striving to create an environment where trust, compassion, stability and hope can be felt by our colleagues and by our students,” said President Kevin Satterlee in a video congratulating the 2019 winners. “There is no doubt that these characteristics are important. But this year in particular, as we have navigated this challenging year, they were critical to our successes.”
As director of outreach and retention, Kartchner ensures that potential ISU students are served by distance learning technologies, guest lecture initiatives, scholarship programs and other outreach projects.
While these projects are crucial in exposing high school students to higher education and preparing them for college-level learning, it is the relationships that Kartchner develops with these students that qualified her for the “Hope” award.
“To countless students at ISU, Holly provides invaluable advice and access to resources,” her colleague wrote when nominating her for the Be a Bengal award. “Her unwavering support empowers students with the confidence to believe in their potential. It is time-consuming, noble work, and Holly is the best at it of any person I know.”
To help high school students transition to ISU, Kartchner spends many hours talking with students about their lives and their goals. She lends a listening ear and connects students to faculty, academic advisors and campus resources to best prepare them for a successful college experience.
“She makes sure these students feel heard, and helps guide them to the resources they need to succeed,” said President Satterlee. “She is described as kind but no-nonsense, as giving students the reassuring words they want as well as the push that they need. It empowers them to realize their potential, thereby instilling hope in their future.”
Other Arts and Letters employees recognized during the Be a Bengal campaign include Virgina Barnett, General Studies (Compassion and Hope); Kellee Kirkpatrick, Political Science (Hope); Thomas Kloss, Department of Music (Compassion); Donna Lybecker, Political Science (Hope); Shin Kue Ryu, Political Science (Hope); and Tiffany Waggoner, Sociology (Hope).
To nominate an employee for a Be a Bengal award, please visit isu.edu/beabengal.