Kristin Wonderley, a junior business major and a native of Charlotte, N.C., has been recognized as “Student of the Block” at Tusculum College for her campus leadership.
The College’s Office of Student Affairs recently recognized Wonderley with its “Student of the Block” award for the fourth block of the fall semester during a brief ceremony on Feb. 3. She was presented a plaque detailing her achievements and campus involvement by Dean of Students David McMahan. The plaque will be displayed on the “Wall of Honor” outside of the Student Affairs Office in the Niswonger Commons.
Wonderley came to Tusculum College in January of 2008 because of the small, close-knit atmosphere of the school and the beautiful mountains visible from the campus. Growing up in the Shenandoah Valley, she has an appreciation of the beauty of a mountainous setting.
She selected a business major due to her interest in the industry and the rigor of the program. “I wanted a degree with a variety of options and would like to continue working in the banking industry after graduation because I enjoy working in the field,” she said.
In addition to her studies, Wonderley is a member of the College’s prestigious President’s Society, serves as an Admission Office aide, a tele-counselor and a diligent employee of American Patriot Bank. As an avid outdoorsman, she enjoys hiking, four-wheeling and exploring the mountains of East Tennessee. She also enjoys baking, sewing and reading when she isn’t on the sidelines of Pioneer sporting events cheering the teams to victory.
When asked about Wonderley’s qualities that make her an exceptional student leader, Melissa Ripley, director of admission operations and marketing, stated in her nomination, “Kristin is an independent thinker and wise beyond her years. She’s exceptional for someone of her age.”
Ripley works often with Wonderley through Office of Admission events and in the office as she assists with the processing of prospective students. “Kristin continually goes the extra mile in assisting with our various events. The level of maturity that Kristin shows in her daily life is exceptional for someone of her age, and I truly appreciate her honesty,” said Ripley.
Wonderly is currently on the path to receive her degree from Tusculum College in December 2010 and looks forward to what life has to offer. “I have enjoyed the experiences and opportunities available to me here at Tusculum College. People don’t realize how much you can get out of college.”
The “Student of the Block” award is a program of the Office of Student Affairs to honor Tusculum College students who excel not only in their academics but are also active on campus and in service to the community. Nominations for the award are sought from the campus community. A student is recognized each academic block. Tusculum operates on a focused calendar in which students take one class per a three-and-a-half week period, a block. The academic year is divided into eight blocks, four per semester.
Dean of Students David McMahan presents the Student of the Block Award to Kristin Wonderley.