Movement in Alma Administrative Positions

BRYCE BIRCHMEIER
STAFF WRITER

2/3/2025

Amidst the current changes on Alma College’s campus, it was announced on Jan. 22 that Sarah Dehring, Alma College’s Vice President and Director of Athletics, and Melinda Booth, VP of Marketing and Communication, will be transitioning to new positions in February. 

Kiana Verdugo will serve as the Interim Director of Athletics and Kari Chrenka will serve as the Interim Director of Communication and Marketing. 

Dehring will be moving into Alma’s Advancement Office as the Senior Director of Alumni and Family Engagement. 

“The opportunity to move into the Advancement Office and focus my energy on philanthropy and alumni and family engagement was an opportunity that I could not pass up. It allows me to work in the world of philanthropy for a place I am extremely passionate about. I am very excited for the opportunity,” said Dehring.

“[The next AD] must be transparent with the coaches, staff, and students, listen to them and align the departmental goals with the goals of the college,” said Dehring. 

“Alma College is an exceptional place to work. You are surrounded by a lot of really great, intelligent people that care a lot about the success of the students at Alma College,” said Dehring.

“When I came to Alma in 2020, a big part of my decision was the opportunity to work alongside Sarah Dehring. From the start, Sarah has been an incredible mentor, giving me the autonomy to grow while also offering consistent support throughout my journey,” said Verdugo. Verdugo currently serves as the VP of Athletics. 

“I’m excited to step into this role, not only because it allows me to build on what’s been done, but because it’s also an opportunity for my own professional and personal growth. I’m looking forward to gaining new experiences at a place that I truly care about,” said Verdugo.

Melinda Booth will be leaving Alma College to serve as the Director of Marketing and Communication for Leader Dogs for the Blind. 

“’My next role is Director of Marketing and Communication for Leader Dogs for the Blind, which is a non-profit organization based in Rochester Hills. People from all over the world come to Leader Dogs to learn the necessary skills for safe and independent travel with a guide dog or white cane,” said Melinda Booth (‘02).

“It’s been a privilege to serve my alma mater in various roles in advancement and marketing for the past nine years. This new role enables me to move closer to my family and a fresh opportunity to apply the skills I’ve learned at an organization that, like Alma, is dedicated to serving generously and leaving the world a better place,” said Booth. 

“[Chrenka] has all the skills and insight she needs to be successful, and I’m confident she’ll do a terrific job for Alma College,” said Booth. Chrenka currently serves as the Director of Brand Marketing in Alma College’s Communication and Marketing Office. 

“I’m excited to build on the excellent work already underway in the Communication and Marketing Office and look forward to furthering our collaboration with the campus community, as well as enhancing our efforts to attract future Scots to campus,” said Chrenka.

“I foresee the ongoing challenge of increasing awareness of Alma College… I look forward to identifying creative ways to communicate what sets us apart, and I’m eager to work with the team to amplify those messages,” said Chrenka.