Monthly News for Our Donors & Partners
January 2024
Welcome Kelly Smith Taylor as New Director of Development
The Chatfield Edge is pleased to announce the appointment of Kelly Smith Taylor as its new Director of Development. Kelly joined the team in December and brings a wealth of experience to the role, most recently from her work at the Nevada Policy Research Institute.
“Kelly is an experienced, creative, and growth-focused professional who is passionate about education and helping individuals reach their full potential. I am confident she will contribute significantly to our mission and know you will enjoy working with her,” said Robert Elmore, Executive Director of The Chatfield Edge. Learn more about Kelly’s background here.
We want to express our gratitude to Kelly Watson, previous Director of Development, for her years of service to Chatfield College and The Chatfield Edge. We wish her the very best as she leaves Chatfield to care for her aging parents.
Reflecting on the First Year of The Chatfield Edge with Sr. Patricia Homan
Just one year ago, Chatfield College transitioned from serving the community as a private liberal arts college to a nonprofit agency that helps individuals attain their educational goals. Sr. Patricia Homan, Congregational Minister of the Ursulines of Brown County, Ohio, and member of Chatfield’s board, recently reflected on the first year of The Chatfield Edge.
“The transition from the college to The Chatfield Edge was a major undertaking and a way to continue the educational legacy and the heart of the Ursulines,” she said. “I think the vision that was set out in 1845 is still true today, and I am grateful for the work that has allowed it to be maintained.”
An educator for nearly 50 years, Sr. Patricia, is a volunteer mentor with The Chatfield Edge. This allows her to continue her love for working with students, stay in touch with the needs and values of the organization, and watch the 178-year-old Ursuline educational legacy grow.
As we celebrate the first anniversary of The Chatfield Edge, you can read more of Sr. Patricia’s reflections here.
Scholar Spotlight – Felicia Lee
Deciding to pursue education later in life comes with a unique set of challenges. This month, we spotlight Chatfield Scholar Felicia Lee, a student at Southern State and the recipient of Chatfield’s Clem and Ann Buenger, Dr. Mary Lois Jung, and Wanda Worley Hill scholarships.
More than two decades after dropping out of school as a teenager, Felicia Lee headed back to the classroom to get her GED. At the age of 40, the mother of three children determined that not having that credential was holding her back from employment opportunities. Once she earned her GED, she set her sights on obtaining an associate degree.
“My kids were working on their education, and I wanted to do something positive,” she said. “I’ve always wanted to help people and would love to work in human services.”
Read more about Felicia’s story and how your generosity can support students like her.
Chatfield Alum Heather Strong Named 2023 Brown County Teacher of the Year
We are excited to announce that Heather Strong (née Sizemore), a graduate of the former Chatfield College, has been recognized as the 32nd Brown County Teacher of the Year. Heather is currently a Cross-Categorical teacher at Fayetteville-Perry High School. She completed her associate of arts degree at Chatfield College in 2016.
It brings us immense pride to hear about the contributions of our former graduates to their communities. We were a significant part of their lives, providing them with support and guidance to achieve their educational goals. Today, we continue to play a crucial role in the lives of many new students through The Chatfield Edge. Our past experiences make us uniquely qualified to fulfill our mission today, and your generosity enables us to help them succeed.
Congratulations, Heather! We share your belief that education is the key to lifelong success and opens doors to new opportunities.
A Word from the Director of Development
As we close 2023 to embark on an exciting 2024, I would like to thank you for your dedication to the mission and vision of The Chatfield Edge. Together, we are changing the future and helping students, young and old, from all backgrounds discover their unique path to postsecondary education and servant leadership.
In 2023, your gifts supported scholars who attended institutions in three states in fields including art therapy, education, equine studies, and healthcare. You’ve ensured that the Chatfield campus could continue to serve as our student hub and host community events like our Fall Festival and 5K Nun Run. Your support is developing a network of experienced mentors to help our scholars navigate their educational journey, stay on track with their goals, and network with professionals. Our students and mentors are diverse, but they all share a desire to celebrate education and servant leadership just as our founding sisters did 178 years ago.
Thank you for coming on this journey with us! Please reach out to me at kelly.smith@chatfieldedge.org or 513-875-3344 ext. 117 if you have questions or wish to discuss how you can financially support The Chatfield Edge.
