by Kelly Rogge
Although the name of her department has changed over the years, Andrea Chastain has spent the last 29 years at Kansas City Kansas Community College in the same position within the counseling program.
Chastain retired in December from her position as director of the Student and Community Resource Center at KCKCC. Her first “professional job” came from an internship with the Rehabilitation Institute in Kansas City – a job she received prior to her graduation from Emporia State University with a bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation services.
“A month into my internship, I was offered a position as job placement specialist where I placed individuals with varying disabilities in training, education, employment or a sheltered workshop setting,” she said. “While working on my master’s in counseling and guidance at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, I moved into the position of vocational specialist, providing career counseling and job placement.”
After Chastain completed her master’s degree, she was hired as a counselor and assistant clinic director for the Greater Kansas City Drug Abuse Program. She remained with the organization until she came to KCKCC almost 30 years ago.
“I felt like it was the right time to retire,” she said about her decision to leave KCKCC. “I think what I will miss most is seeing students who are really trying hard to progress and coping courageously with the numerous obstacles in front of them.”
Chastain said her proudest moments have been about how she has worked to meet the changing needs of students over the years. This includes starting and maintaining both the KCKCC Student Food Pantry and the Clothing Bank. While she is not sure what she will do in retirement, she said she is looking forward to the change.
“I am proudest that I have always had the flexibility to tailor programs and services toward the current needs of the students and community members,” she said. “Although 90 percent of my close friends have already retired, I am blessed that I have made friendships I will maintain for the rest of my life.”
Kelly Rogge is the public information supervisor at KCKCC.