MEET Jackie (Gerhartz) Kacmarynski '07

WLC's Director of Health Services since July 2019; will begin a new role as WLC's Dean of Student Services in July 2025

What do you enjoy most about your role at WLC?

I love working alongside faculty and staff as we support students who are working through challenges. I enjoy getting to know the students, hearing their stories, watching them overcome challenges, and ultimately cross that WLC graduation stage prepared to be leaders in their respective roles and careers.

Who has had the greatest influence on you during your time at WLC?

Jim Holman, former professor of education, was a mentor during my time as a student. He encouraged me to continue in both education and psychology, and believed in me when passing the state test seemed impossible. Eventually he connected me to a local school administrator who helped me start my career in school counseling.

Ryan Oertel, former vice president of student life, served as a mentor when I began my career at WLC. He encouraged me to be a voice on a number of committees, step into additional leadership roles, and engage in speaking opportunities both on and off campus.

How can alumni and the college’s supporters impact what you do for WLC?

Pray for our WLC students, faculty, staff, and administrators. Serving today’s college students takes a higher level of mental stamina to address the day-to-day challenges that exist in our lives while also supporting students. Similarly, the students are often trying to balance a number of different stressors while working to stay on track academically. Also, WLC’s Health and Wellness Committee hosts events throughout the academic year, so if this is an area you feel passionate about or would like to present at, please reach out! We would love to see you back on campus!

What is one thing you’d tell a freshman they need to experience during their time as a student at WLC?

One of my favorite events to attend, both when I was a student and as a staff member, is the WLC Variety Show. It’s so fun to see the talents of the students, and it creates opportunity for building relationships with others.

Name one area where WLC has seen the most growth since you were a student.

One of my favorite areas of growth is the number of involvement opportunities. The campus regularly has activities in the evening and over the weekends, which provide opportunities to students to connect with others and encourages students to try new things as well!

What hasn’t changed at WLC since you were a student?

The WLC mission has not changed. We are here to prepare students academically and spiritually to be Christian servant leaders. When I talk to colleagues at other institutions, it is obvious that our students, faculty, and staff are different. We have a common mission, bigger than academics, and it impacts all areas of campus. We strive to understand and support one another, often taking that extra step, and loving others like Christ loves us.

Share one fun fact about yourself that others may not know.

Similar to many other families, we ended the COVID-19 pandemic with a puppy! We realized early on that Milo had a temperament suitable for therapy dog work. After training, passing the required tests, and creating a proposal plan, Milo was ready to start visiting students on campus. He now makes regular appearances on campus and he has “groupies” who try to visit each week! He also has his own Instagram page so students know when he is on campus and they can learn more about therapy dog work.

Share your favorite WLC story.

I was blessed to serve at WLC as a Resident Assistant (RA) for three years. Part of that experience was getting to know my fellow RAs during our training weeks as well as during our down-time. One year, the RA group got together and entered the Variety Show with a choreographed dance routine titled “RA’s After Midnight.” We danced to Thriller and completed it with costumes and makeup!