Kristen Diehl, M.Ed., is the Computer Science faculty member at Montcalm Community College. Kristen joined MCC in 2006, where she also teaches within our business and computer departments. She serves as the Computer Science Department Chair and the Co-Advises MCC’s Business Professionals of America (BPA) Academic Team and as an advisor for the Gender and Sexuality Alliance Student Club.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Small Business Management from Ferris State University, a Master’s in Education from Aquinas College and has MBA coursework completed with Walsh College.
“I bring over 10 years of work experience in the automotive industry with me to my position at MCC,” Diehl said. “This experience, coupled with my educational background, allows me to present material in engaging and effective ways.”
Kristen married her husband, Vern, in 2011. Their blended family of five children (one boy and four girls) range in age from 18 to 30. They also have two granddaughters, Kinsley and Gracelynn. In her free time, Kristen loves hanging out with her family - traveling, playing games, and attending sporting events.
She is excited for a summer trip to Salt Lake City, Utah, to attend the wedding of her daughter, Hailey, who lives and works there as an elementary school teacher.
Kristen’s motto is, “If you care about an outcome, get involved with the decision-making process. This applies to everything in your life: Your health, family, career, local groups, etc. Get involved!”
Travel is something Kristen loves to do. At 16 years old, she participated in an exchange program through Michigan’s 4-H program. Her family hosted a young lady from Jamaica, while Kristen got to go to Jamaica for a month. This was an eye-opening experience for her.
“As a ‘born and raised’ resident of Montcalm County, this was the first time I was in a situation where the color of my skin made me the minority and it really opened my eyes to the world,” she said. “This experience helped shaped my thoughts, actions, and belief system.”
Kristen said that if she could choose any career, it would be a great travel, food, and/or hotel critic. She did seriously consider majoring in sports management because she thought that managing the careers of professional athletes would be very exciting. One thing on her bucket list is to visit all the MLB parks for a baseball game.
Here are some other fun facts about Kristen:
- Her favorite food is seafood.
- Had a cornea transplant when she was 19 years old.
- Was an exchange student to Jamaica when she was 16 years old.
- Used to raise and show rabbits with her daughters nationwide.
- She considers herself a tech nerd.