Alumni Spotlights
Sandra Theresa King ’74
Full Name and Class Year: Sandra Theresa King ’74
Major at EC: Management
Current Position: Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing, Long Term Solutions
How did your academic life prepare you for your career?
I had the good fortune of having an academic mentor at Elmira College – Dr. Rickard. He guided me to the field of marketing and I have never left. I started out as an English major and that too has served me well. The combination with management, marketing and business in general created the foundation of interest and commitment.
Were you involved in any clubs or organizations?
I was president of the Student Government, active in the Black Students’ Association and the marketing club.
Which Elmira College experience best prepared you for your career?
Running for elections for student government. English with Dr. Jane Parker. Marketing with Dr. Rickard and supporting the men’s basketball team.
What advice would you give students about preparing for graduate school or careers?
One Dr. Rickard gave me. Work for a year or two before grad school. Learn as much as you can about organizational dynamics, interact with a broad cross section of people and do not be afraid to ask questions. Above all STAY CURIOUS!
What hobbies, activities, community service, or foreign travel have you been involved in?
I have been on five continents, been in many, many countries and interacted with a wide cross section of people and cultures. I have also been involved with a range of community organizations over the years, most related to women’s issues: the YWCA of the USA and Boston, REACH—Beyond Domestic Violence, Boys and Girls Club of Boston, New England Baptist Hospital. I have served on the board of several private schools as well. Along with my friends we support a women’s crafts workshop in Dakar, Senegal with micro loans that they have all paid back so that the resources can be passed on to other women. Since 2007 we have assisted in excess of 250 women and their families.
Tell us a little about your career field?
Long Term Solutions is a national healthcare company specializing in helping families address the care needs of their loved ones, primarily the elderly.
What have been the highlights of your life and career?
Creating and leading cutting edge marketing programs that elevated three academic institutions to prominence and international recognition. Being able to collaborate with a cross section of high profile organizations that helped bring distinction to the institutions I represented. Having the opportunity to travel extensively has been a highlight as well.
If someone wanted to get into your career field, what advice would you have for them?
Do it now. Learn as much as you can about service excellence and effective communications.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of your career field?
It is a growing field which is not going to bottom out for a long while. However, the system is complex and challenges the way people can take care of themselves and their loved ones. The system needs to be simpler and people need to be better informed about resources and options.
What are the challenges of your career field?
With the population aging at a rapid rate and people living longer, the demand for services to help them live a comfortable, safe, productive life is getting more challenging. There is not enough support for families as they navigate this complex phase in their lives.
What are your fondest memories of your days at Elmira College?
My first time walking in snow. I grew up in Jamaica and arrived in Elmira in January, never having seen snow before. I also remember singing outside the President’s Home for Mountain Day. Giving one of the addresses at the Candlelight Ceremony on the eve of Commencement was also a very special experience.
Do you have a favorite quote that embodies your beliefs or values?
I have two -
1. You approve what you tolerate.
2. No one can take your integrity away from you. You have to give it away.
Is there any additional information you would like to include?
I am fortunate to be married to the same guy for 33 years. I met him my senior year while at Elmira. He was a “townie.” We have three beautiful adult children who make us proud and we are blessed with a wide circle of thoughtful, caring friends.
Major at EC: Management
Current Position: Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing, Long Term Solutions
How did your academic life prepare you for your career?I had the good fortune of having an academic mentor at Elmira College – Dr. Rickard. He guided me to the field of marketing and I have never left. I started out as an English major and that too has served me well. The combination with management, marketing and business in general created the foundation of interest and commitment.
Were you involved in any clubs or organizations?
I was president of the Student Government, active in the Black Students’ Association and the marketing club.
Which Elmira College experience best prepared you for your career?
Running for elections for student government. English with Dr. Jane Parker. Marketing with Dr. Rickard and supporting the men’s basketball team.
What advice would you give students about preparing for graduate school or careers?
One Dr. Rickard gave me. Work for a year or two before grad school. Learn as much as you can about organizational dynamics, interact with a broad cross section of people and do not be afraid to ask questions. Above all STAY CURIOUS!
What hobbies, activities, community service, or foreign travel have you been involved in?
I have been on five continents, been in many, many countries and interacted with a wide cross section of people and cultures. I have also been involved with a range of community organizations over the years, most related to women’s issues: the YWCA of the USA and Boston, REACH—Beyond Domestic Violence, Boys and Girls Club of Boston, New England Baptist Hospital. I have served on the board of several private schools as well. Along with my friends we support a women’s crafts workshop in Dakar, Senegal with micro loans that they have all paid back so that the resources can be passed on to other women. Since 2007 we have assisted in excess of 250 women and their families.
Tell us a little about your career field?
Long Term Solutions is a national healthcare company specializing in helping families address the care needs of their loved ones, primarily the elderly.
What have been the highlights of your life and career?
Creating and leading cutting edge marketing programs that elevated three academic institutions to prominence and international recognition. Being able to collaborate with a cross section of high profile organizations that helped bring distinction to the institutions I represented. Having the opportunity to travel extensively has been a highlight as well.
If someone wanted to get into your career field, what advice would you have for them?
Do it now. Learn as much as you can about service excellence and effective communications.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of your career field?
It is a growing field which is not going to bottom out for a long while. However, the system is complex and challenges the way people can take care of themselves and their loved ones. The system needs to be simpler and people need to be better informed about resources and options.
What are the challenges of your career field?
With the population aging at a rapid rate and people living longer, the demand for services to help them live a comfortable, safe, productive life is getting more challenging. There is not enough support for families as they navigate this complex phase in their lives.
What are your fondest memories of your days at Elmira College?
My first time walking in snow. I grew up in Jamaica and arrived in Elmira in January, never having seen snow before. I also remember singing outside the President’s Home for Mountain Day. Giving one of the addresses at the Candlelight Ceremony on the eve of Commencement was also a very special experience.
Do you have a favorite quote that embodies your beliefs or values?
I have two -
1. You approve what you tolerate.
2. No one can take your integrity away from you. You have to give it away.
Is there any additional information you would like to include?
I am fortunate to be married to the same guy for 33 years. I met him my senior year while at Elmira. He was a “townie.” We have three beautiful adult children who make us proud and we are blessed with a wide circle of thoughtful, caring friends.
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