Ralynn Kelley, Admissions Counselor

It feels great to be a part of the academic world again. It’s hard to believe that almost three years ago my college journey came to an end. College is a time to explore and grow, and I’m super excited to help you find your calling and walk with you during the beginning of this journey. I’m the newbie of the admissions team, joining in June of this year, but I feel this is where I’m meant to be. As you explore and encounter the greatness of God and how He works on this campus for the first time; I will be encountering those same things right along with you. I look forward to meeting you and your family and building lasting relationships here on campus. Being an admissions counselor is my new journey, and I’m blessed to begin growing as a professional and a child of God on AU’s campus.

Educational Background
I majored in telecommunications (sales and promotions) with a marketing minor at Ball State University and graduated in December 2008. For two years, I played flute in the symphonic band and worked as a sales rep for the University’s radio station, WCRD. Spring semester of my senior year, I received my Radio Marketing Professional (RMP) certification from the Radio Advertising Bureau.  

Personal Bio
I would like to consider myself the coolest nerd you'll ever meet. Whenever I need a moment to clear my head, you'll find me listening to classical, jazz or old school R&B. I play computer games for hours at a time, read a great book when I get the chance and have movie marathon weekends with my best friends. When I’m not at work, you will find me spending time with my family, friends and my Shih Tzu named Paxton. He thinks he’s human (you’ll hear more about him, I’m sure). I love life even though I don’t understand it most of the time. I find that figuring it out is what’s beautiful about it: falling down, but with God’s grace, picking yourself back up and continuing to move forward.

Favorite Things about AU
The campus, it’s beautiful.  I also enjoy eating lunch in the Valley, having a cappuccino at Mocha Joe’s and watching a play or concert in Reardon Auditorium. After I became a part of the AU family, I began to explore the campus to discover its uniqueness. I found that there’s a high student involvement in regards to leadership. Students are encouraged to create campus ministries and sometimes the ministries become a part of student life. Mocha Joe’s Coffee House is a social gathering spot in the student center and is completely operated by students. There’s a worship service held on Tuesday nights called 10:07. It was created by students and is one of the most popular social and worship events of the week. There are so many other aspects of student life to explore at AU, and I’m excited to explore them along with you!

The College Search
Finding a college that best fits you can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time. I remember going through the process and having to navigate through the plethora of information received from colleges. Remember apply early and visit often.  A college campus goes through phases or moods just like we do. The environment changes with each season. If you’re interested in a particular major, visit our campus on a Department Discovery Day.  If you want to travel and share your talents while helping others, check out Tri-S. Don’t rule out a college based on price. Financial aid letters are sent in March and can help you make an informed decision based on the bottom line. Lastly, enjoy the process and explore all your options. This process is about finding the one college that best fits you!