Hi, I'm Karen and I'm the Administrative Assistant for the Office of Spiritual Life and Bridges to a Brighter Future. I grew up in North Carolina and came to Furman as a student in 2004. While here at Furman, I found my place with the Furman Wesley Fellowship and spent many hours here at the Chapel and with my Wesley community.

After I graduated, I joined AmeriCorps and worked for Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County as their Volunteer Coordinator. I stayed on full time after my AmeriCorps term for 12 years. I loved our mission of giving families a hand up, not a handout through homeownership.

When COVID rocked the world, I left Habitat, stayed home with my kids, and ran my own business – Creative and Created – where I made Christian themed handmade gifts and décor. I also worked part-time with another non-profit, JUMPSTART, as they expanded out of SC into other states to run in-prison discipleship classes, provide housing, employment, and general life assistance to help former inmates acclimate to the outside world.

Over the last year, my work with both JUMPSTART and my own business slowed down. When I was notified that this position in the Chapel was open, it seemed like the perfect fit. A career counselor once asked me to make a list of “dream places to work” and Furman was at the top. That, coupled with my love of organization and helping, my fond memories of time spent in the Chapel, the chance to work with another amazing non-profit that gives students a hand up, not a handout, I knew I’d found the place I was supposed to be. I am so grateful I ended up here and get to be part of the lives of so many students, staff and faculty. I’m excited to help you find your place in the world – whether it’s with one of our religious groups or not. I want to be a friend you can talk to or cry with or pray with, a resource for you if you need assistance with anything, and someone to cheer you on or cheer you up when you need it. Just call or email or stop by. I hear my big purple chairs are some of the best around – so come sit for a while and visit. I can’t wait to meet you!

Education

• B.A. Furman University ('08)