Staying Power: Jennifer Ogilby

Dean of Students, advisor

YEARS @ CRMS: 28

A resident of the world, growing up abroad in countries like Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela, England and Puerto Rico, Jennifer Ogilby found her forever home—and her family—at CRMS. She met her husband Kayo as a young teenager during a family trip to Vail, and the two forged a long-distance friendship that would grow and lead them both back to Colorado. After graduating from Vassar College, Jennifer taught French in the Philippines before moving to Carbondale where a job offer was proffered in the parking lot through an open window to work in admissions. She went on to teach French and Spanish as full-time faculty before becoming Residential Life Director. She married Kayo in 2000, and they took a year-long sabbatical to New York City where they both earned master’s degrees at Columbia University. Their happily-ever-after also included two daughters. “Our girls growing up here was such a gift. The entire community helps raise them, and is implicated in your child’s growth. It was absolutely incredible.”

In addition to building her life at CRMS, Jennifer says her career has become even more rewarding over time. “The quality of our students is so high. There’s a fearlessness among our student body. They’re not afraid to look for what they love to do and figure out a way to do it. It’s this attitude of being all-in, of going after what you want even if you’re afraid,” she says. “What I have really relished as an educator who has stayed in the same place is seeing these students in their adulthood. “I get to see students 20 years after they have graduated, as adults and successful professionals. It’s a long game. It’s majorly invigorating,” she says. “I feel like I have a VIP pass to the world.”