Meet Brenda Kessinger – Custodial Manager

“My journey in the KWC Facilities Department started with Sodexo (company that handled facilities responsibilities) on Jan. 31, 2006. Throughout the years, the Facilities Department was bid out to a few different companies, and when I was asked where I worked, I always replied that I worked at KWC. Then KWC brought all facilities work back to their payroll, and I was so thankful. 

“My responsibilities include developing strategies to maintain daily cleaning in dorms and buildings and ensuring the areas are clean and healthy for residents, staff, faculty and customers. I recruit and train custodial staff and oversee the staff, scheduling them to ensure coverage for all areas, including outside events that are held here. I perform routine inspections, manage inventory, coordinate work orders and report maintenance issues. I must be versatile and adaptable every day by responding in a timely manner to various tasks and unexpected situations that occur.

“My day starts at 5:30 a.m. when I unlock classrooms and outside doors of buildings, pick up trash and check restrooms in areas the custodial staff will not be able to attend to until later in the day.

“You may find me with a staff member helping complete a task, filling in for a staff member who is out for the day in their assigned cleaning areas to cleaning restrooms, vacuuming carpets, mopping floors, moving furniture, setting up tables and chairs for an event, using custodial equipment, helping to pull out gym bleachers to cleaning dorm showers and restrooms.

“The students play an important part in why I love my job. I can be having a rough day and one of the students will say, “Good morning. Have a good day,” or a student in a residence hall thanks me for keeping their area and restrooms clean. This means everything to me. I love getting to know students by name and talking with them about important things in their lives from a sports game to a final test and graduation. The bonds and friendships with the facilities staff, faculty and staff means a lot to me, too.

“I love that the College is Christ-based with a friendly atmosphere and The Wesleyan Way beliefs. I appreciate the benefits that the College compensates staff with so you can get a break and recharge, and the perks they give you throughout the year.

“My husband Jeff and I will celebrate our 40th anniversary in September. We have two children, Bradly and Amanda, along with four grandchildren: Ryen, Reid, Rese and Kylie.

“When not at KWC, I love to spend time with my family and enjoy attending my grandchildren’s activities and sport events. I also love making gifts and enjoy embroidery, sewing crafts, refinishing furniture and making cut laser items.”