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Kay Stanton is convinced that extensive learning transpires beyond the classroom.
As the assistant director of operations for the Office of Experiential Learning, Stanton discovers opportunities for University of Georgia students to integrate their classroom knowledge with real-world contexts.
“More than anything, this resonates with my life philosophy because it involves applying your knowledge in the real world and gaining insights from those experiences,” she stated. “It’s a chance for personal growth.”
Stanton’s journey to UGA was filled with twists and turns. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in art and biology from Berry College, which nurtured her passion for medical and biological illustration. Subsequently, she spent a few years at the King Plow Arts Center, including during the 1996 Olympics. Eventually, her desire to leave Atlanta led her to the vibrant music and art scene in Athens. She was also aware that she would eventually pursue further studies, making it a seamless transition.
“It appeared to be such an incredible place,” she remarked.
Kay Stanton sets up an exhibition of student-created photographs from Connect Abroad trips. (Photo by Dorothy Kozlowski/UGA)
A friend informed Stanton of a temporary opportunity for graphic design on a grant at the College of Family and Consumer Sciences. She stayed at the university to pursue her master’s degree in historic preservation. Afterward, she returned for a role at the university’s Institute on Human Development and Disability and then transitioned to the classics department in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences. In that role, she began guiding students.
Her supervisor at the time transitioned to the Office of Instruction and encouraged her to consider an available position. Stanton joined the Office of Experiential Learning in 2016 and has been actively involved in the execution of the EL initiative since then.
“I love witnessing the remarkable achievements of our students as well as the contributions from our faculty and staff,” she shared. “I’m fortunate to view it from both perspectives. I observe the courses and activities being crafted by faculty and staff, and I see what students accomplish in those contexts.”
Students have the option to select from over 2,700 sanctioned activities to meet their experiential learning requirements. Stanton collaborates with faculty and staff on those proposals, trains others on experiential learning, gathers data and reports it, ensures compliance with policies and procedures for all activities, and presents at campus events to inform students about their options.
“This [experiential learning] is crucial for students. It’s how they construct their narrative,” she stated.
Kay Stanton during a Connect Abroad trip to Morocco in March 2025. (Photo courtesy of Stanton)
Stanton possesses a particular enthusiasm for the Connect Abroad program, which in 2025 provided six study-away opportunities during spring break for first-year students. Participants have the chance to delve into the culture, society, politics, and art of another nation while engaging with fellow UGA students, faculty, and staff. Stanton serves as the program director and has acted as the staff director for the Connect Abroad program in Morocco for the past two years.
Stanton asserts that the true essence of experiential learning lies in the transferable skills students acquire throughout their journeys. They are better equipped to communicate their potential during graduate school or job interviews because they have practical experiences to reference and discuss.
“I believe it broadens a person’s perspective of themselves and their potential,” she noted. “Experiential learning fosters transferable skills that you can carry with you wherever you go.”
Stanton not only travels for her professional commitments but also ventures on personal trips, including touring with her bands. She continues to paint and create other forms of art, along with knitting, reading, and enjoying the outdoors. Additionally, she performs and instructs trapeze at Canopy Studios.
Her aspiration is to ensure that students have just as many extraordinary experiences during their time here.
“I get to play a small role in enabling students to have truly meaningful experiences as they transition into adulthood, and that’s incredibly thrilling to me,” she remarked. “Reflecting on my undergraduate and graduate experiences, the memories I cherish the most revolve around the research I conducted, internships, my senior art exhibit, and studying abroad. Those are the memories that stay with you.”
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