Wesner received her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Carnegie Mellon University and her master’s, also in psychology, here at RPI. Shortly thereafter, she became an assistant dean of students under then Dean of Students Eddie Knowles. Wesner served as the Dean of Greek Affairs before moving to the health center in 1995. In her tenure with the health center, she has helped to create the health education center, and in 2000, Wesner took over the administration of the Student Health Center.

Wesner believes very strongly in staying in contact with students even after becoming an administrator. She summed up her philosophy saying, “If you don’t have the commitment to students, you shouldn’t be in student health, much less any other position with students.”

She is leaving her position with the Institute to take up the vacant director position at the UNC Wilmington Student Health Services. “I wasn’t looking for a new job; I love it here,” said Wesner. “I knew that being the director of a health center was the next step, so when I was offered the position, I really sat down and considered it.” After looking into UNC Wilmington, Wesner decided that she should go, saying, “For me, it’s the right time, and it’s the right thing.” Not wanting to leave without saying goodbye, Wesner said that she will be back for the Big Red Freakout! to say farewell to the students.

Leaving shortly after the flu shot season calmed down, Wesner reported that of the 2,000 flu shots available this year, only about 1,850 shots were given, leaving more time for students to take advantage of the free immunizations. Wesner reported that there have been no cases of flu reported at the health center this year. She attributed the decrease in cases to the greater access to the flu vaccine, which were not in short supply as they were last year. Wesner also believes that news stories over the past year regarding prior shortages and the avian flu have contributed to the increase in its popularity. If you haven’t had a flu shot and would like one, contact the health center to schedule an appointment at (518) 276-6287. Flu shots are free for students.