Esters '86 pledges support to school that helped shape her and her successful career

Monmouth graduate has worked for her undergraduate alma mater, as well as WIU, QC organizations

by Barry McNamara

Monmouth, Ill. (05/04/2026) — After a career spent raising funds for major strategic initiatives, Kellie Kohler Esters, a 1986 graduate of Monmouth College, felt it was only fitting that her alma mater was included.

"I think it's important to lead by example and inspire other alumni to consider supporting initiatives that are important to them," said Esters, who has retired after a 37-year career and lives in Sun City West, Arizona. "Monmouth College is very dear to me, and I owe my alma mater so much for transforming me into a responsible adult and successful professional. That is why I want to give back - because Monmouth gave me so much."

An annual supporter of Monmouth, Esters is leaving a legacy gift to the college, listing it as the beneficiary in her and husband's estate plans. She worked with an alumna from her time as a student, Gena Corbin Alcorn '88, to create the scholarship criteria and the endowment agreement. Alcorn is Monmouth's assistant vice president for development and legacy giving.

"I know first-hand the impact of philanthropy, especially for small, private, liberal arts colleges, and I desire to leave a lasting legacy in perpetuity at my alma mater," said Esters, who said she's given to Monmouth "every year since graduating because of my love for MC."

Part of the Alton connection

Esters originally came to Monmouth from Alton, Illinois, thanks to a high school connection.

"I visited my high school friend who was attending Monmouth, and I absolutely fell in love with it," she said.

A member of Pi Beta Phi and a cheerleader, she earned a degree in elementary education.

"My career goal growing up was to become a teacher," said Esters. "Upon graduating, I was encouraged to apply for a position in Monmouth's admissions office, and then I moved into development, alumni relations and annual giving" at her alma mater, along the way earning a master's degree from Western Illinois University in college student personnel.

"I had no idea that decision would take my career down a path I could have never anticipated and in such a wonderful way," she said. "I had a fabulous and rewarding career, but my love for children never waned. For that reason, I want to support future generations of educators."

Esters served on Monmouth's Alumni Board for 10 years and on the Class of 1986 reunion planning committee numerous times. She's also hosted alumni events for the college.

"My biggest takeaway from my time as a Monmouth, in addition to all the great friendships I formed as a student and an employee, was learning to take things more seriously and always give 100% in order to be successful," she said.

Esters worked at Monmouth through 1995, then held senior and executive positions at WIU, the University of Nebraska and the University of Utah, as well as a pair of Quad Cities organizations - UnityPoint Health and the Scott County Family YMCA.

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