Student Success and Career Services

The OptimalResume.com software application has been purchased for the use by students and alumni of Tabor College and is now available online from a link at the Tabor website or by logging in directly at www.tabor.optimalresume.com.

“Having a well written resume is extremely important and all students and alumni are invited to start using this dynamic new system,” said Amy Kjellin, Academic Support Coordinator in the Department of Student Success and Career Services at Tabor College.

According to Kjellin, the new platform will enable students and alums to create, present and manage their resumes all online, with a series of sophisticated yet easy to use tools.

“Each student or alum can store many individual resumes and return anytime in the future update them,” she said. “We’re pleased that alumni can access the same services as current students to assist in their career endeavors beyond their Tabor experience.”

In addition to resumes, Tabor constituents also can create professional cover letters, build a portfolio, and set up their own website to send to potential employers.

“Students and alums can even post a ‘Virtual Resume’ online with the use of a webcam and send that link anywhere in the world,” Kjellin said.

Dr. David McNasby, Chief Operating Officer for OptimalResume.com, based in Durham, N.C., says the program is a great fit for Tabor.

“I’m confident it will give their students and alums a leg up in the job search process, as well as streamline their career services processes,” McNasby said.

Access the Tabor College Optimal Resume site

Amy Kjellin is the new Academic Support Coordinator in the Department of Student Success and Career Services at Tabor College. She will oversee the Career Services area of the department along with other responsibilities.

“Amy comes to the position with great experience in career planning and class advising, and I look forward to seeing her develop the Career Services area of the Student Success office,” said Cindy Denning, Director of Student Success and Career Services

Kjellin, who lives in Marion, is a former Director of Residence Life and Counseling Services for Central Christian College in McPherson, and was as an Advisor/Counselor for Hutchinson Community College at the McPherson Outreach Center.

In the Student Success office, Kjellin will help Tabor College students meet their goals academically and assist them as they enter their chosen careers. She also will mentor students and help coordinate tutoring at the college.

“I enjoy working with college students because it’s exciting to watch them grow into the adults they will become,” Kjellin said.

“It is great to be a part of a residential Christian campus again,” she added. “I love the energy and spirit of kindness and community that is here.”

Kjellin, a graduate of Perry-Lecompton High School, holds a bachelor’s degree from Wichita State University and a master’s from Friends University.

She and her husband, Doug, have three boys, Erik, Andrew and Adam.

Cindy Denning has been named Director of Student Success and retention at Tabor College.

“Cindy has served us well in the last couple of years as the Residence Director of the women’s [dormitories],” said Eric Codding, Dean of Student Development. “In addition to Cindy’s recent role at Tabor, she comes into the position with relevant student success experience from prior work at Kansas State.

“I know that she’s looking forward to collaborating with the faculty and staff in our common cause of helping students thrive at Tabor College.”

Denning is eager to begin her new role.

“I have great enthusiasm for helping students to achieve more than they expected during their years at Tabor,” she said. “I have tremendous support from those who have filled this role before me and look forward to building on what they have already done in this office.”

Denning, who grew up in Ashland, Kan., graduated from Tabor College in 2002 with a bachelor’s in English and Biblical/Religious Studies. She also holds a master’s degree in English from Kansas State University.

Denning worked as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at K-State, and stayed on following grad school to coordinate the PILOTS program (a tutoring program for High-Risk freshmen). She also was an Expository Writing Instructor at K-State.

Cindy returned to Tabor in 2006 and served as Assistant Librarian before being named Resident Director of the women’s dormitories in August 2006. In addition to her role as Director of Student Success and Retention, Denning also will serve as advisor to the new Java Jays coffee shop, located in the Student Center.

Cindy and her husband, Jon, have two children, Cora, 2, and Samuel, 8 months.