When Kate Garcia was a little girl, arranging her toys in her clean room, the game she always played was “Office” – and she was always the boss. Even as a child she found pleasure in organizing logistics and details, a character trait that would serve her well many years later when she was hired by Dr. Julie A. Schornack as her Assistant for Clinical Education. In that role, she had the opportunity to put not just her organization skills to work – running the office in charge of students’ third- and fourth-year clinical experience – but also her people skills. “I was an advocate for the students. Their third and fourth years are very stressful, and sometimes they just need someone to confide in,” she says.
The sense of community Kate was able to foster in that role has even greater potential for her in her new position as Coordinator of Special Events and University Calendar. Now her love of organization and people extends campus wide, as she is able to build relationships in every department at MBKU. From small celebrations to larger events like commencement and white coat ceremonies, Kate is able to plan and provide for them all, putting a friendly face on the events by which MBKU marks the achievements of its students, faculty and staff. “I love working here and being a part of something so positive,” she says. “It is uplifting to work in a place where there is such a strong sense of community and purpose.”