Kaci Ogle to Retire as Director of Alumni Engagement

04/02/2024

by Kelli J. Holmes

After almost 27 years of devoted service to Jacksonville State University, Kaci Ogle is set to retire.

Ogle began her journey at Jax State in the Fall of 1991 as a college freshman. In 1997, she returned to Jax State as the Alumni Coordinator in Georgia. In the six years following, Ogle worked to build relationships with alumni and recruit new students to Jax State throughout Georgia. In 2003, at just 31 years old, Ogle took the reins as the Director of Alumni Relations and completed her master’s degree in 2004. Over the next 21 years, the Office of Alumni Engagement would expand and flourish under her leadership.

While many jobs face metaphorical storms over the course of several decades, the biggest challenge of Ogle’s career came in the aftermath of a literal storm in 2018 when the Alumni House on the campus of Jax State was destroyed by an EF-3 tornado. The devastation left behind would necessitate a physical change in location for the Office of Alumni Engagement--three moves in less than five years. Ogle says of the Alumni House, “That house was just as much a part of our department as the alumni engagement staff that worked in it.”

However, this challenge did not cast a shadow over the significant achievements of Alumni Engagement during Ogle’s tenure. During her time as Director, a 50th Year Golden Gamecock Reunion was established, a Young Alumni Program was created, and there was a 65% increase in Affinity Chapters as more alumni began to engage in supporting their university. “I’m incredibly grateful for the dedication and passion that Mrs. Ogle brought to her role as Alumni Engagement Director,” stated Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr., President of Jacksonville State University. “Mrs. Ogle’s tireless efforts have left an indelible mark on our alumni network community. While we’ll miss her leadership, we wish her all the best in this new chapter of her life.”

Ogle has spent almost two-thirds of her life serving the students and alumni of Jacksonville State University, and the most significant events of her life have been shaped by the Friendliest Campus in the South. Ogle says her best achievements during her time at Jax State had little to do with academics or alumni engagement. “My daughter, Abbie, and I moved here in 2003. We found our home, and then I met my husband, Jimmy. We were married in 2004 and our son, Jim, joined our family in August of 2005,” says Ogle. “We have lived a blessed life here in this town.”

While Ogle admits being sad about leaving what she has known for so long, she acknowledges that the lifelong friendships she has made will remain, and she is excited about what the future holds. “I look forward to the new adventures ahead,” added Ogle. “I am a proud two-time Jax State alum and I will forever be a Gamecock. This campus will always hold a special place in my heart.”

The University will accept online applicants for the position from April 2 - 19 with anticipating on-campus interviews during May, and the position to begin mid-summer. Search committee members include:

Chair - Mr. Terry Casey, Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management
Ms. Lauren Findley, Director of Undergraduate Admissions & Recruitment
Dr. Greg Bonds, Associate Director of Athletics
Dr. Brent Cunningham, Dean of the College of Business & Industry,
Dr. Ken Bodiford, Director of Bands
Mr. De'Onta Bush, Incoming SGA President
Ms. Tara Powell, Current Vice President of the Alumni Engagement Board
Dr. Tyrone Smiley, Former Alumni Board President
Ms. Kelli J. Holmes, Associate Vice President for Philanthropy