Meet the Staff
Meghan Jester
Director of Career Exploration
Meghan joined PLACE in 2023 and serves students across undergraduate and graduate years as they explore and prepare for life and work through their chosen careers. She attended Virginia Tech, where she studied History and Political Science before teaching middle school social studies for several years. Meghan earned a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership with a focus on Higher Education from the University of Lynchburg before working at Virginia Tech in student recruitment and career development.
As the Director of Career Exploration, Meghan develops programming for students as they identify career and life trajectories aligned with their strengths and sense of purpose. She partners with faculty and supports professional development for students to ensure readiness for meaningful careers through participation in experiential learning, internships, student employment, and other opportunities.
Alumni, students, parents, and employers are all encouraged to reach out to Meghan at jester@roanoke.edu.
Context | Discipline | Harmony | Significance | Consistency
Nicole Ramsey
Assistant Director of Career Development and Professional Transitions
Nicole is an accomplished Career Management Professional who brings over 15+ years of experience partnering with students and career seeking explorers to navigate career transition with clarity, and purpose. Earning her undergraduate degree in Communications from a private liberal arts institution, The Defiance College, she is excited to join Roanoke College. She possess certification as a Certified Professional Coach from Wainwright Global, and completion of the AFSA Executive Leadership Program, UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina.
As Assistant Director of Career Development, she will utilize her vast industry experience, as well as Higher Education tenure from Radford University as a Career Coach, to equip Maroons for amazing careers through preparation, critical skill development, and experiential learning opportunities.
Alumni, students, parents, and employers are all encouraged to reach out to Nicole at nramsey@roanoke.edu.
Relator | Arranger | Woo | Communication | Positivity
Jonathan Lee
Director of Strategic Partnerships for Student & Alumni Success
Jonathan is a proud alumnus of Roanoke College, where he majored in History and Religion & Philosophy. He then attended Virginia Tech, where he earned his graduate degree in History. During his professional career, Jonathan has worked in leadership and management roles in a number of fields – Higher Education, Human Services, and Museums & Historic Preservation. He returned to Roanoke College in 2009, working in both the Resource Development and the Academic Affairs divisions.
In his current role with the College, much of Jonathan’s work focuses on engaging our alumni base. In particular, he finds ways for our alumni to enrich the experiences of our students, whether through our mentoring program (Maroon Mentors), special guest presentations, career fairs, or other avenues. He also assists individual seniors and recent graduates by helping them develop professional networks. Additionally, Jonathan serves as a liaison with companies and organizations who are looking to hire Maroons for employment and for internships.
Alumni, students, parents, and employers are all encouraged to reach out to Jonathan at jelee@roanoke.edu.
Context | Learner | Strategic | Achiever | Developer
Kelly Dalaski
Director of Student Orientation & Transitions
Kelly joined Career Services in January 2016 after coming into higher education as a former high school counselor. Kelly earned her Master's of Science Degree in Counseling and Human Development and has used her previous experience to help Roanoke College students discover interests, explore options, and encourage involvement in Roanoke College programs.
In her role with Roanoke College, Kelly focuses on organizing and implementing a freshman orientation program designed to engage students as community members during their first days as college students. Kelly’s focus on providing career development to freshman and sophomores includes career advising, extensive program planning, and easing the college transition. Additionally, Kelly works with programs, such as Maroon Mentors, where she advises sophomore students who are paired with alumni in the career field of their interest.
Alumni, students, parents and employers are all encouraged to reach out to Kelly at dalaski@roanoke.edu.
Achiever | Discipline | Learner | Analytical | Deliberative
Fiona Brown
Student Success Coordinator
Fiona joined PLACE in October 2023 as Student Success Coordinator. Prior to becoming a staff member at Roanoke College, she earned a degree in English Literature at Montreat College and went on to work in Human Resources, focusing on internships and employment for international staff.
In her role at PLACE, Fiona serves as a first point of contact for students and visitors. She provides administrative support for daily operations, career-focused programming, and student employment. Fiona is passionate about helping students develop into confident job-seekers and employees and looks forward to promoting the success of students at Roanoke College.
Alumni, students, parents and employers are all encouraged to reach out to Fiona at fbrown@roanoke.edu.
Harmony | Empathy | Input | Connectedness | Learner