Meet the Team

Laura Kestner-Ricketts

Executive Director, Career and Professional Development

Passionate career professional dedicated to supporting and uplifting all students as they explore who they are and where they are going.

First Job: Besides lawn mowing and babysitting, my first job was as a picture framer!

Education: Master of Education Degree in Student Development in Higher Education, University of Maine, Orono, Maine; Bachelor of Arts Degree in French, Minors in English Composition, Russian Studies, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Lincoln, Nebraska

Career Specialties: Career Development, Professional and Wedding Etiquette, Public Speaking, Leadership, Supervision, and Event Planning

Professional and Community Activities: Midwest Association of Colleges and Employers (member, past board member), National Association of Colleges and Employers (member), College Career Consortium of Illinois (President, member), Quad Cities College Career Group (member), Senior Leadership Roundtable with QC Chamber of Commerce (member), Volunteer Soccer Coach, Windsor Crest Club (social chair, member)

Honors and Awards: Midwest ACE Founders Award (July 2019), Midwest ACE Diversity Advancement Founders Award (July 2014), Midwest ACE JW Paquette Award for Superior Leadership (July 2013), Midwest ACE President’s Award (July 2003)

Specialties and Interests

Career Development, Professional and Wedding Etiquette, Public Speaking, Leadership, Supervision, and Event Planning

Programs

Augustana Life Design StudioCareer Readiness Champion Network