A Positive Influence
As a mother and a grandmother, Kris Dvorak knows a thing or two about raising a family. For the past 15 years, Kris has also helped raise thousands of Midland University students.
In her role as Director of Student and Resident Services, Kris has been a steadying presence for students during their four-year collegiate journey. They might not be her own children, but Kris has relished whatever role she can play in their lives. “I love having the opportunity to make an impact on a student during a very important and critical time in their life. My hope is that I can change just one student’s perspective and provide a positive influence. Getting to walk their journey with them coming in as a freshman and watching them walk across the stage on commencement day is a huge satisfaction.”
Her relationship with Midland began 15 years ago, thanks to a trio of positive role models in Dr. Tara Knudson Carl, Dr. Tara Hart, and Lisa Kramme. “They interviewed me and were part of the hiring process. I owe a lot to them for taking a chance on me and being my mentors in higher education.”
Those initial relationships brought her to Midland, and it’s been the many relationships she has forged over the past 15 years that keep her here. “The ability to foster relationships with students, faculty, staff, and alumni is hands down what has kept me here this long.”
Kris has persevered through plenty of adversity in her own life. She is a cancer survivor, as is her 8-year old daughter, Aspen. In working through the trials and tribulations life can often hand you, she hopes to provide a steadying influence for those students she encounters daily. “I sit with students after they have violated a community standard, and we have discussions about how we are all responsible for how we act and the choices we make. I highly encourage students to handle the situation with respect and turn things around. You are so much more than one poor choice.”
She also encourages students to realize this is a new opportunity in their lives. Although that can often involve unique challenges, Kris wants to see students embrace whatever comes their way. “Leaving home is a big step in your life. For the first 18 years, many of these students had someone to make sure they got to school, had clean clothes, did their homework, went to practice, and set rules for them to follow. In college, those people are no longer doing those things for you. That’s when you have to make good decisions. Students’ time is precious, and opportunities are endless, so take advantage of everything at your fingertips. That might mean getting out of your comfort zone, making new friends, attending activities, and joining a club or organization. Don’t feel the need to conform to what everyone else thinks you should do. Stay true to yourself, your goals, and your dreams.”
Kris also believes a simple act of kindness can go a long way in making everyone feel a little better about themselves. “We never know what anyone else is going through, and an act of kindness might be the one thing that can turn that struggle around. Someone once told me to never let anyone steal your joy and find joy in the story you are living.”
As to be expected with someone who has six grandchildren, Kris’s time away from work is often spent with family. She also enjoys cooking, baking, living the farm life, jazzercise, and sharing her faith and journey with others.
Getting to know Kris Dvorak:
Snack that you can’t resist: Anything with peanut butter – there is always a jar on my desk! Queso and chips are a close second.
When flipping channels, I’ll always stop to watch this: I honestly do not watch a lot of TV. I enjoy a good Hallmark movie once in a while and Yellowstone. Our youngest daughter wants to be a veterinarian when she grows up, so the Incredible Dr. Pol consumes a lot of our television time.
What artist dominates your playlist? Believe it or not, most days I drive to and from work in silence. This allows me the opportunity to spend time in prayer, plan for or reflect on my day. When I am cleaning I will crank up some country music or the 80s. Now, I just told you how OLD I really am!
Something people might not know about you: Nothing is ordinary in my life, Haha! Our oldest daughter is 32, and our youngest is 8. We have six grandchildren and our oldest granddaughter is older than our youngest daughter. I did not like tattoos, and as age 50 started knocking on the door, I found an appreciation for them. I ended up getting four of them this past summer. 1. My cancerversary date and Aspen’s cancerversary date 2. Faith/fear – this is a constant reminder for me to remember what has gotten me through some difficult times in life 3. Strength, I would not be where I am without strength 4. A cross, which serves as a sign of my faith.
What is your ideal vacation? Honestly, I enjoy being where my kids and grandkids are. So if that is a cattle show or fair…that is where we are. My husband and I have only taken three vacations alone together in 32 years…Las Vegas, St. Lucia, and Nashville. Loved the beach, sun, and water of St. Lucia, and I loved the country music scene in Nashville. Otherwise, all vacations involve our kid/grandkids, and those are my favorite!
What is your most-used emoji? The yellow heart 💛 and the laughing/crying emoji 🤣. I have some pretty funny coworkers and family who make me laugh daily.
