Holly Hess

Biography

Holly Hess joined Carthage College in 2021 as the Purposeful Life and Leadership Coordinator. She bridges a collaboration between the Center for Faith and Spirituality and The Aspire Center by leading students, faculty and staff to deepen their understanding of vocation. She develops programs and guides conversations to help students define what living a meaningful, purposeful life means to them, both on campus and throughout their lives. Holly is passionate about working with students in all stages of their Carthage journey and believes this partnership uniquely prepares Carthaginians to be people of purpose and leaders in their careers, communities and the world.

Before coming to Carthage, Holly spent fifteen years at Mt. Pleasant Lutheran Church, a local ELCA congregation, as the Director of Serving Ministries. She also has extensive experience in non-profit management and as a private reading tutor where she helped students from elementary school through college reframe learning differences into personal strengths.

Holly finds purpose in serving her community, especially marginalized people. She is very involved at The Hospitality Center, HALO and the HOPES Center in neighboring Racine where she builds relationships, connects community resources, and provides street outreach. Holly also finds purpose and great joy in her family. She and her husband Scott have four children.