Kalin Folden: Women in Leadership Roles at Bluefield College

Bluefield College senior Kalin Folden is a prime example of the ways in which BC is fulfilling its mission to develop transformational servant leaders as demonstrated best in her role as president of the Student Activities Leadership Team (SALT).

A native of Princeton, West Virginia, Folden is a Christian Studies major at Bluefield College with a double minor in business administration and Biblical Languages. But she says that her greatest learning opportunities are those outside of the classroom in service and leadership roles that are available to all BC students.

“There’s a place for everyone throughout all of campus life,” said Folden, who added that SALT provided her with the best opportunity to network and to get to know students on campus. “SALT has helped me become more confident, outgoing, and it’s showed me how to be a stronger leader.”

Folden says she loves being the SALT president, but if she weren’t she’d still be involved because it’s such a rewarding organization to be a part of.

“Not only do you get to plan fun activities for all the students on campus,” she said, “but members get to have some fun, as well.”

As president, Folden is in charge of a variety of responsibilities, including developing agendas for weekly group and committee meetings, working with the organization’s faculty advisor, and coordinating events sponsored by other organizations on campus. She also plays an integral part in planning several key student activities, including Fun Day Monday, spirit nights for sporting events, holiday activities, Homecoming, Winter Solace, and Mud Pig Day.

“The biggest part about being not only the SALT president, but a general member in SALT is planning and orchestrating,” said Folden. “The biggest aspect of preparation is really just communication – making sure the team is on the right page and that we’re all ready for whatever comes next.”

At the end of the day, Folden said, it’s all about providing students with activities they want and opportunities they need to get involved.

“It’s a big part of what we do,” she said.

Growing up in Southern West Virginia about 20 minutes away from Bluefield College, Folden said she wanted to stay close to home.

“And I wanted to attend somewhere where I could make my own path and continue my journey in discovering what true leadership was,” she said. “After looking at several options, I found that Bluefield College was the place for me.”

She also mentioned that Bluefield College was the only college she found that promoted transformational servant leadership while offering a sense of community to its students.

“The best things about being a student at Bluefield College is the sense of commitment, community, and Christ-centeredness,” said Folden, who also spoke about the faculty and staff commitment to student success. “Having the small classroom size, the ability to have one-on-one time with your professor, the opportunity for help through the ACE (Academic Center for Excellence), and so much more, Bluefield College is truly committed to helping their students grow in and outside the classroom.”

Folden also spoke about the value of the inclusive atmosphere at BC.

“When you come to Bluefield College you immediately enter into the BC family,” she said. “You make friends, mentors, and endless opportunities for a lifetime.” 

Above all, she added, it’s the Christ-centeredness that makes Bluefield College the best opportunity for higher education and developing transformational servant leaders.

“From chapel, to the classroom, to student-led worship, campus prayer and more, Christ is present in all aspects of campus life,” said Folden. “It’s something you can’t get at just any campus.”