Jodie Bradford, General Studies
By Caitlin Hofen
From her office at the Alva Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center, Chamber Director Jodie Bradford, ’09, can look out the window and gaze upon the campus she once called home and the place where her journey to a career began.
A Waynoka, Okla. native, Bradford is the embodiment of a true Ranger. She first came to Alva for convenience and being close to family, but remained because of the connection and love she felt for the community.
“My major was originally education, and I worked in the school system for AmeriCorps,” said Bradford. “I found out I didn’t have the patience I thought I would. I ended up changing to general studies and graduated with that.
“I have so many fond memories of Northwestern. I gained many friends and made many connections during my time on campus. I was the president of the sorority Delta Zeta and that’s where I made many of my lifelong friends. I’ve been a bridesmaid seven times, and every bride has been a sorority sister. When I first came to college, I was a quiet and reserved person. Once I joined Delta Zeta, I became who I was meant to be.”
Working in insurance and then starting as the secretary of the Alva Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center, Bradford worked her way up to the position of Director of the Chamber.
“I love my job and I love this town. It’s crazy where life puts you. The job kind of fell into my lap and I feel like it’s the job I’ll be in the rest of my life; I love it so much. It’s so much fun to be involved in Alva and I’d say this journey is to become a true Alvanite.
“A part of my job is speaking at our annual gala every year, but I hate public speaking and being in front of a big crowd. Once I became director, I used some of the skills and techniques I learned in my speech class I took at Northwestern. It’s really special to me that I remembered something I learned back then that I could use in my job today.”
With a heart of service, Bradford wishes to help the Northwestern and Alva communities in any way she can. Her passion and love for this area is apparent in the sense of servitude she feels.
“My hope for Northwestern is for enrollment numbers to continue to grow. I hope that on the Chamber side, I can be an asset for Northwestern and help them in any way I can. Bringing students to the college not only helps Northwestern, but it also helps the town in the long run. I hope that some of the student who graduate do decide to stay in Alva and have their families here.
“If anyone needs a helping hand, there is always going to be someone there to help. Especially after graduating and staying in the community, I feel that the connections I built with other people make it so much easier to work and stay here. Northwestern is one big family.”