Meet the Staff



Rebecca McQueen-Ruark
Vice President of Student Affairs
rmcqueen@kwc.edu
270-852-3285
Winchester Center

 

  • More about Dean McQueen-Ruark

    • Rebecca McQueen-Ruark was named Vice President of Student Affairs in July 2019. Becca joined Kentucky Wesleyan as the Director of the Sophomore Experience in May of 2014, and moved in to the Dean of Students position in June 2016. Becca provides strategic leadership for most things related to the students’ experience outside of the classroom at Wesleyan – residence life, student activities and organizations, health services and counseling, student conduct, and campus safety. Her priority is making sure that all Wesleyan students successfully earn their degree while also participating in experiences that allow them to grow into the leaders that the world needs.
    • Becca came to Wesleyan from Pfeiffer University in Misenheimer, NC where she served as the Assistant Dean of Students and where she was named an Honorary Alumnus for her five years of dedication and service to the University. Prior to that, Becca worked in residence life at Elon University and Meredith College. She earned a bachelor of arts degree in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a master of arts in College Student Development from Appalachian State University. Becca and her husband, Matthew, have two dogs – Eddie and Gracie in addition to well-loved nieces and nephews.

Chris Sweeney
Director of Residence Life
chris.sweeney@kwc.edu
(270) 852-3284
Winchester Center


Terri Petzold
Director of Counseling Services
terri.petzold@kwc.edu
(270) 852-3183
Admin 209B

 

  • More about Terri Petzold

    • Terri Petzold joined our Kentucky Wesleyan team in August, 2018 and established the first-ever office of counseling services for students on campus. Her primary goal has been to decrease the stigma behind mental health issues while increasing awareness of mental health wellness throughout the campus community. Through clinical services she helps students discover values and skills needed to relieve stressors, promote healthy relationships, and make good decisions. In addition to offering individual, couples, and group sessions, Terri promotes a “campus of care culture” by offering various mental health programs and training opportunities to students, faculty, coaches and staff.
    • Terri earned her Master of Social Work degree from Western Kentucky University and graduated Summa Cum Laude from WKU with a Bachelor of Social Work. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with the Kentucky Board of Social Work and is credentialed as a Temporary Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor through the Kentucky Board of Alcohol and Drug Counselors. She is married, has 2 children and 3 grandchildren. Terri enjoys spending time with her family, reading, horseback riding, and needlework.

 

Lori Thurman ’94
Coordinator of Equity and Inclusion
lori.thurman@kwc.edu
270-852-3254
Greenwell Library and Learning Center

  • More about Lori Thurman ’94

    • Lori Thurman, the Coordinator of Equity and Inclusion, provides supports and resources for programs that promote and sustain diversity and equity at Kentucky Wesleyan College. Lori also serves as the campus Title IX officer for students who experience sex-based discrimination or harassment.
    • Thurman worked for 28 years as a social studies teacher at Owensboro High School. After her retirement from the classroom, she served as the Development Officer for Girls Inc and later as the Non-Residential Supervisor for Oasis Outreach. Lori is a 1994 graduate of Kentucky Wesleyan College where she was a member of Sigma Kappa sorority, SAPB, Alpha Chi Honor Society, and also served as a resident advisor. She earned a master of arts degree in history as well as an additional master of arts degree in educational administration both from Western Kentucky University. She also received the prestigious James Madison Fellowship and attended Georgetown University where she studied constitutional law. Lori and her husband Todd have two children, Max and Gracie as well as two dogs, a German Shepherd, Charlie and a Jack Russell Terrier, Teddy.