Kristen Pettey, professor of business and faculty chair, was named recipient of the Charles H. and Verda R. Kopke Award for Distinguished Teaching during Southwestern College Commencement exercises Sunday, May 5. The Kopkes established the award in order to honor outstanding faculty members. 

Pettey earned her bachelor of arts degree in physics and masters degree in business administration from Southwestern College and her Ph. D in business administration from Northcentral University in Prescott Valley, Ariz.

“Dr. Pettey is a fierce advocate for Southwestern College in all ways—but particularly for our students,” says Southwestern College President Elizabeth Frombgen.

Prior to working at Southwestern College, Pettey was employed at Cessna Aircraft Company as a Systems Safety Engineer for three years. She then worked for General Electric Aircraft Engines at Strother Field as a Process Engineer on the CF34 engine line.

In late 2007, she was hired at Southwestern as an adjunct professor to teach Quantitative Methods for the business department and she joined the college as a full-time professor in January of 2008.

“Dr. Pettey continues to be an active faculty member at the college, serving the college on various committees – this year she is the faculty chair and is serving as the assistant faculty athletics representative,” Frombgen says.  “Additionally, she is often called upon to sing the national anthem at sporting events. She also sings and plays piano for the Faculty/Staff Chapel Band. She is an active person who enjoys playing tennis and pickleball.”

Pettey lives in Winfield with her husband, Brian, and son, Hayes.