Converse Announces New Director of Alumni Relations
Inspired by her professional poise and passion for education, Converse University announced that Dr. Andrea Weatherman Kikkert, member of the Class of 2005, will serve as the new director of alumni relations. She will begin her duties remotely on January 15, 2024, before joining the Institutional Advancement staff on campus in early February.
“I’m very excited about returning to Converse as a staff member and contributing to my alma mater by celebrating the university’s past, present, and future with alumni,” said Kikkert, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in music from Converse. “I’ve benefited immensely from both my education at Converse and the support of fellow graduates over the years, and I look forward to bringing together alumni so we can continue to collaborate and grow long after commencement.”
“I look forward to bringing together alumni so we can continue to collaborate and grow long after commencement.”
Andrea Weatherman Kikkert ’05
For the past eighteen years, Kikkert has held professional positions primarily in higher education. She currently works as a visiting assistant professor of German at Hampden-Sydney College. Kikkert previously worked for Vanderbilt University, where she received her doctorate in German, and Bowling Green State University, where she received her master of arts in German.
“We are thrilled to have Andrea back on campus as a dynamic new staff member,” said Boone Hopkins, president of Converse. “Her foundations in program development and management, cross-cultural engagement, and public speaking will make her an effective advocate for Converse as she works to keep our alumni connected and engaged. Andrea’s expertise as a leader and educator will only continue to build upon the incredible work the Office of Alumni Relations is accomplishing under the leadership of Laura Chappell Bauknight.”
“[Andrea’s] foundations in program development and management, cross-cultural engagement, and public speaking will make her an effective advocate for Converse.”
President Boone J. Hopkins
Bauknight, a member of the Class of 1987 who graciously agreed to serve as interim director of alumni relations in the spring of 2023, will help Kikkert transition into her new role.
As the Director of Alumni Relations, Kikkert will work to engage alumni in the life of the university and act as Converse’s liaison to the Alumni Association Board. Kikkert will also be instrumental in the planning and executing alumni events, such as Reunion Weekend on April 19-20, 2024.