Jacksonville, AL — Decades of Dedicated Service Culminate in Well-Earned Retirement
After an illustrious career spanning nearly 27 years at Jacksonville State University (JSU), Kaci Ogle, Director of Alumni Engagement, is preparing to bid farewell as she embarks on her well-deserved retirement journey. Ogle’s remarkable tenure at JSU has left an indelible mark on the university community, marked by unwavering dedication and countless achievements.
Ogle’s journey with JSU began in the Fall of 1991 when she embarked on her academic pursuits as a college freshman. Following a brief hiatus, she returned to JSU in 1997, assuming the role of Alumni Coordinator in Georgia. In the ensuing years, Ogle worked tirelessly to cultivate relationships with alumni and attract new students to JSU, particularly in Georgia. In 2003, Ogle ascended to the position of Director of Alumni Relations, concurrently completing her Master’s degree in 2004. Under her leadership, the Office of Alumni Engagement flourished and expanded over the next 21 years.
Ogle’s tenure faced its greatest challenge in 2018 when an EF-3 tornado devastated the Alumni House on the JSU campus. The aftermath necessitated multiple relocations for the Office of Alumni Engagement, but Ogle’s resilience and determination ensured continuity in serving the university’s alumni community. Reflecting on this period, Ogle remarked, “That house was just as much a part of our department as the alumni engagement staff that worked in it.”
Despite the challenges, Ogle’s leadership ushered in numerous milestones for Alumni Engagement. Notable achievements include the establishment of the 50th Year Golden Gamecock Reunion, creation of a Young Alumni Program, and a significant increase in Affinity Chapters engagement. Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr., President of JSU, expressed gratitude for Ogle’s contributions, stating, “Mrs. Ogle’s tireless efforts have left an indelible mark on our alumni network community.”
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ogle’s personal journey intertwined with her tenure at JSU. “My best achievements during my time at JSU had little to do with academics or alumni engagement,” Ogle shared. “My family and I found our home here, and I am grateful for the blessings we’ve experienced.”
While bidding farewell to the institution she has called home for the better part of her life evokes mixed emotions, Ogle looks ahead to new adventures with optimism. “I am a proud two-time JSU alum, and I will forever be a Gamecock. This campus will always hold a special place in my heart,” she affirmed.
As Ogle prepares to pass the torch, JSU has initiated the search for her successor. The university will accept online applications for the position from April 2 to April 19, with on-campus interviews scheduled for May. The search committee comprises distinguished members representing various facets of the university community, including Mr. Terry Casey, Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, and Ms. Tara Powell, Current Vice President of the Alumni Engagement Board, among others.
As Kaci Ogle bids farewell to JSU, her legacy of dedication, passion, and service will undoubtedly endure, shaping the future of Alumni Engagement and leaving an indelible imprint on the JSU community for generations to come.
Editors Note: We apologize for for the wrong photo being attached to the story originally.
