Kelley Shorette Connor started her college education as a 1st-generation freshman at the age of 40. She received a Master’s in Communication in 2023. Throughout her 12-year career in higher ed, she enjoyed helping students as an academic advisor, financial aid officer, and College Success Coach.

Kelley developed Shorette Educational Consulting to be more than a company. Her hope is that it becomes a haven for students and parents as well as an educational resource. During her years in higher education, Kelley encountered many students who didn’t feel they ‘fit in’ at college. Often, they would end up dropping classes or not returning the following semester.

In other cases, students and parents were uncertain about the financial side of college, which sometimes led to family stress and student anxiety. She saw many students get accepted to the college of their dreams, only to find they could not afford the cost of going.

Kelley’s mission is to empower 1st generation students from low-to-middle income families and teach them how to advocate for themselves. Her passion is helping any student find their path and follow it.