Kirsten Cahoon

Kirsten Cahoon is the Director of the Harry C. Piper Center for Vocation and Career at St. Olaf College, a position she has held since December 2021. An alumna of St. Olaf, graduating in 1998 with a double major in psychology and exercise science, Cahoon brings over 20 years of experience in career coaching to her role, including 15 years at St. Olaf itself.12

Professional Background

Career Progression::

• Interim Director: Before her appointment as director, Cahoon served as the interim director of the Piper Center from June 2021.
• Previous Roles: She has worked as a career counselor at the University of Minnesota and Colby College, and as assistant director of career services at St. John’s University. At St. Olaf, she previously held positions such as senior associate director of employer and alumni relations and associate director of the Center for Experiential Learning.12

Educational Qualifications::

• Master’s Degree: Cahoon earned her master’s degree in educational psychology from the University of Minnesota, specializing in counseling and student personnel psychology.
• Certifications: She holds a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).2

Contributions and Initiatives

Cahoon has been instrumental in various initiatives at St. Olaf, such as:

• Career Connections Program: Collaborated with academic departments to integrate experiential learning into the curriculum.
• Alumni Relations: Directed programs fostering connections between students and alumni, including events like Ole Biz and Ole Arts.
• Externship Programs: Oversaw the Connections externship program, facilitating student travel to various cities across the U.S..12

In addition to her administrative roles, Cahoon has also been involved in teaching as an adjunct instructor at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.1

Personal Interests

Outside her professional commitments, Kirsten Cahoon is an alpine ski coach for the Buck Hill Ski Racing USSA Team, reflecting her passion for sports and mentorship.2

Cahoon expresses enthusiasm for her leadership role at the Piper Center, aiming to enhance programs and services for all students at St. Olaf College.1