About the Hart Career Center

Warren Kistner '83

Director, Career Center

Warren is an Illinois Wesleyan University alumnus of the class of 1983. He completed his undergraduate study in Business Administration with a minor in History. Following five years of Business Management experience, he completed a Master's in Counseling at Illinois State University. Warren has worked in career services since 1991. He started his tenure at IWU in 1995. Currently, his duties as director include career counseling, graduate school preparation, programming, employer development, alumni services, and administration/strategic planning. In his spare time, Warren enjoys traveling, biking, and reading. He is also a nature lover with a hobby of ponds and water gardens. He is actively engaged in the Bloomington-Normal community through Rotary International, American Red Cross and other philanthropic work. Professionally Warren has held many leadership roles in the College Career Consortium of Illinois, the Illinois Association of School, College, and University Staffing, the Midwest Association of Colleges & Employers, as well as other professional associations.

Contact:
wkistner@iwu.edu

Kelly Bay

Associate Director

Contact:
kbay@iwu.edu

Patrick Zajac '18

Assistant Director for Career Engagement

Patrick graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University in 2018 with a major in Business Administration and minor in Human Services Management. During his time at Illinois Wesleyan, Patrick worked in the Hart Career Center for two years as the Special Events Coordinator where he facilitated the Career Center’s practice interview program, organized monthly career-focused programming, and advised students with resumes and cover letters. In addition, he was an Intern in IWU’s Admissions Office where he helped prospective students and their families with the college application process. Patrick was also involved on campus as a member of Alpha Kappa Psi and Collegiate DECA. In his role as the Assistant Director for Career Engagement, Patrick’s duties include advising students on internships, post-graduate planning, and career guidance. Patrick coordinates Illinois Wesleyan's centralized internship program and connects students to experiential learning opportunities to explore their fields of interest. He also assists students and faculty in navigating the process of receiving academic credit with internships. Patrick is very passionate about supporting students to pursue their career passions in this ever-changing recruiting landscape. In his free time, Patrick loves watching all Chicago sports teams, especially the Cubs, playing basketball, reading, and riding his bike. He alsoenjoys participating in community events and giving back to people in need.

Contact:
pzajac@iwu.edu

Michele Murray Darnell '88

Pre-Health & Biology Career Advisor

Michele graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University in 1988 with a degree in Elementary Education. She then spent the next 30 years as a member of IWU’s Admissions staff (including a one-year stint as a College Counselor at Mary Institute & St. Louis Country Day School (MICDS) in St. Louis). She loved working with students, parents and counselors and helping them learn more about IWU and the admissions/financial aid process. Professionally, she was an active member of IACAC and NACAC. In the summer of 2018, Michele moved into the newly created Pre-Health & Biology Career Advisor position and is a member of NAAHP. She is eager to continue her work with students - helping them secure meaningful shadowing/internship opportunities and navigate the journey while they prepare for the variety of graduate and professional schools beyond IWU. Away from campus, Michele enjoys time with her husband, Wade, and busy family (Ryan, Courtney, Steven and Terrion), watching her active children play sports, updating their home, landscaping, traveling, and reading.

Contact:
mdarnell@iwu.edu

Amie Keeton

Recruitment Coordinator/Orientation Services

Contact:
akeeton@iwu.edu