Kimberly Yadon

How did you discover Western?

I grew up summering in the Valley, and always knew I wanted to come to school at Western. My undergraduate experience at the college was so good that I decided to come back for my graduate degree as a member of the first graduating cohort from the master’s program. I’ve returned to Western as faculty because there’s simply nowhere I’d rather be.

What are some of the highlights of your career?

• Founding member of tech startup Knowledge Bytes
• Founding member of tech startup Skywriter Systems Inc. (Startup Challenge Monterey Bay Finalist)
• Winner of the Denver Moth StorySLAM and GrandSLAM Finalist
• Chief Publications Editor, Celtic Cross Communications

What most excites you about your field?

What I love most about the field of writing is the privilege I have to help students understand the value of stories. In a world that seems to be increasingly divided, students can find connection within a writing community. It’s within these communities that they learn we all have stories. We all have something to share and something to learn. Each semester I see students work together to find their voices, to meet each other in the middle, to become bold in their efforts to connect with each other. I count myself very lucky to contribute to a discipline that gives me faith in our most tired cliche. I believe it because I see it every semester. The pen truly is mightier than the sword.

In addition to my classes, I work part time as a writer for an eLearning company. Over the years, I have been a content manager, assessment writer, instructional designer, content development lead, editor and just about everything else having to do with producing eLearning courses. I’m a huge proponent of online learning, particularly in the writing discipline. So don’t be surprised if you hear me repping it, even in my role as an on-campus instructor.

What is your favorite thing about the Gunnison Valley?

I have always considered the Valley my home. But like so many who love Colorado, I am an invasive species. I grew up in Kansas City and still wear my Chiefs sweatshirt when we’re playing the Broncos. But I’ve been in Colorado over 20 years, in the Gunnison Valley about half of that time (off and on). Many of my oldest and deepest friendships originated here, and no matter how many times I wander away the Valley always welcomes me home. From the relationships to the river to the rocks, there seems to be a never-ending supply of good times.

Courses Taught

• Creative Writing – Fiction
• Creative Writing – Nonfiction
• Technical Writing
• Academic Writing
• Literature (various subjects)

External Professional Affiliations

• Empire State College, SUNY
• Standford University
• Western Governor’s University
• Cisco
• VISA
• Lenovo
• Ericsson