Kathy Sanger
Kathy Sanger – Campus Director, Rasmussen College
Twenty three years ago, Kathy Sanger was a new college graduate working as an evening admissions representative at Rasmussen College. Today, she leads the campus in Mankato that now serves more than 700 students. She has filled a variety of roles in her tenure at Rasmussen including Admissions Manager, Director of Admissions and Director of Campus Operations.
She also fills a variety of roles in the community. The most important being that of mom to four children. In this segment, Sanger tells us how she manages running her household and running a campus without her sanity running away from her.
What is the first thing you do in the morning?
I don’t consider myself a morning person but I usually wake up before my alarm goes off, so maybe I am. The first thing I do in the morning is turn on KEYC and grab the Free Press, I like to know what’s going on in the community. Then I will take the dog out, get myself ready and the house in order before my kids wake up—that’s when the action begins! After I get the kids where they need to be, I head to work, grab some much needed coffee and start working. For me, I need a routine.
What is your “key” to juggling a busy career with raising four children?
My mother would say to me that being a parent is the toughest job (which I agree) but I think I’ve been blessed with my four, they’ve been pretty easy on me. By no means are they perfect but we work really well together. They are my everything and I’m lucky to have them in my life. Jack (Senior in high school) and Rachel (Sophomore in high school) are a great help with my younger two, Nick (1st grade) and Emily (kindergarten). When I told people I was expecting Nick, some thought I was crazy but I would be so lost without those younger two. I don’t want that “empty-nest” feeling. Life is crazy and busy but I’m able to lean on my inner circle of family/friends/neighbors. We all need that “support” and I have that. I try not to compare myself to other parents out there—because there are some really good ones that set the bar really high and I can’t compete with that and it’s okay!
What is your main tip for staying organized?
I have a bulletin board in my laundry room and it’s filled with calendars, schedules, post-it notes and to-do lists. I try so hard to stay organized but never feel like I’m ahead of the game. I do keep multiple calendars everywhere (at work, at home, on my phone) and I have reminders going off constantly. I multi-task fairly often, which drives some people crazy.
What do you like to do with your “free” time?
I’m not really good at having “free” time, I’m better when I’m busy. Outside of my work at Rasmussen College, I spend my time being a mom. In the fall you can find me at football/volleyball games, cheering on the Mankato East Cougars. In the spring, I’ll be at baseball/track meets. When not watching sports, I enjoy going on walks, watching movies/reality TV (love Big Brother), doing yard work and checking out Pinterest.
What do you enjoy about working in your current position?
First and foremost, the people (staff, faculty, students). After 23 years here, my co-workers are like family to me! We have been through a lot together and they make work FUN! Another thing I’m proud of is Rasmussen College has always been a big supporter of volunteering and giving back to the community, they allow us the time to do that. Currently, I volunteer with the Greater Mankato Growth Cavaliers; Educare; Cities/Colleges/University Group; Mankato East Boosters and at my church.
