Kim Raines: A Reminder To Remain Joyful Through Your Work

Within the first few moments of speaking with Kim Raines it became evident just how much she loved her job. 

“It’s not a job,” she said. “It’s great.”

Kim Raines is the assistant registrar and graduation coordinator for Union University. From completing audits to sending out the order form for diplomas, Raines works diligently behind the scenes to ensure that students walk across the stage and are handed the correct diploma with their name on it. 

For many students, it can seem daunting to go into the registrar’s office and complete an audit. Anxiety is common during this process, but Kim Raines does everything she can to ensure that things go as smoothly as possible. 

“It may intimidate students, but it is not meant to be that way,” Raines said. “It is supposed to be informative and give the student encouragement for what’s ahead.” 

Raines completes audits in such a way that the students are left feeling informed and encouraged, rather than stressed and defeated. 

“It’s more than handing them a piece of paper and saying, ‘read this, or do that, and you will be fine.’ We want them to be comfortable, and most importantly, we want them to know that we are there to help,” Raines said. 

Raines and the registrar’s office look at a number of criteria to ensure the student is given the best and most effective advice. The office looks at information such as previously completed courses, the student’s major and minor and what their goals are regarding graduation. 

“There is a lot on a student—it is already stressful and we don’t want to add to that,” Raines said. 

Raines approaches the audits with patience and a true desire to help the students. Although this is intended to be a rather straightforward process, there can be some frustration or confusion. Consequently, she does everything she can to alleviate the negative feelings. 

“The first thing I always say is, ‘how’s your day going?’ and find out if the student just had a test or if they are stressed, or if they are already anxious and apprehensive about their audit,” Raines said. “Then I let them know that I am here to answer their questions.”

Raines also noted the importance of remaining joyful and helping remind the students what they are at Union for. 

“I try to focus on something positive and offer solutions. I ask them what they love about what they are studying,” Raines said. “It helps to remind both of us what it is that we want to do.” 

Graduating from college is of great importance for many students. While talking to Raines, it was encouraging to see how much the registrar’s office values this milestone. 

“We take very seriously that when you walk across the stage to see Dr. Dub, the diploma he hands you is yours. The one that you earned with your name on it that’s signed by him,” Raines said. 

It was clear to me that Raines held graduation and students getting to celebrate their accomplishments close to her heart. When you walk into your audit appointment, it is so much more than what the appointment alone holds. It is a whole team working for you and ensuring that everything is being done in your best interest. 

“Everybody is for them and is pulling for them. We want to see you at graduation day, we want to celebrate with you. We want you to walk to the great lawn and rub the bulldog and participate in all the traditions,” Raines said. 

For senior sociology major Lauren Cummings, it was important to have the anxiety of graduating on time relieved, and through her audit with Raines, she was able to do that. 

“My audit was super simple,” Cummings said. “It went a lot smoother than I expected it to go. Of course we all stress about graduating on time and in the time frame we intend to, so it is great to have someone like Mrs. Raines to be there with you and to ensure that you are doing what you are supposed to be doing.” 

Raines has a true joy for what she does and helping students in any way that she can. As we wrapped up our conversation, I asked her what she wants students to know as they prepare for their auditing appointments.

“We are so excited to meet you and are excited to hear what your plans are and what you want to do,” Raines said. “I want students to know that everybody in the registrar’s office and the academic center wants to help, and we are glad you are there.” 

After talking with Raines, it became clear that she is a true embodiment of Union’s values. She works to help the students at Union to the best of her ability and is an encouragement for many, even after their audit appointment is complete. Kim Raines is there for the students she helps and strives to be someone students can always come and ask questions to. 

“I love my job. I love all parts of it,” she said. “My job goes past just audits. It is beautiful who the Lord sends into my office.”

Photo By Laila Al-Hagal