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.
Amy Foster
Assistant Director of Career Development & Professional Transitions
Amy joined the Career Services Staff in 2007 and has been working to prepare students for life after Roanoke College ever since. After receiving her undergraduate degree in English, Amy earned a Master’s Degree in Adult Education while serving as a college admissions counselor in Tennessee. Amy’s career in Higher Education or in the non-profit sector has always centered around writing and communication, a skill she helps students hone in order to enter the professional field of their choice upon graduation from Roanoke College.
As the Career Counselor for Roanoke College’s Junior and Senior Class students, Amy partners with many academic departments to prepare classroom presentations, meet individually with students, and connect with area employers through internship opportunities and networking efforts. Along with her role with the College, Amy serves as an active member in the state professional organization, Virginia Association of College Employers, where she maintains a focus on employment trends, industry best practices, and employer relations. Amy continually works with students and recent alumni to ensure continued professional development and readiness.
Alumni, students, parents and employers are all encouraged to reach out to Amy at foster@roanoke.edu.
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.
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.