By Isabella Schultz
NKyTribune reporter
Thomas More University faculty member Courtney Kleier is using her background in government to help the Thomas More community.
Kleier graduated from Thomas More University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in English, History, and International Studies.
After graduating, she took what she had learned to the University of Kentucky, where she received her Master of Arts in International Commerce and Diplomacy.
After receiving both her degrees, Kleier joined the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce in Public Affairs and Government Advocacy, exploring economic development. There she was trained by a lobbyist, received knowledge on all types of politics, and did public policy tracking legislation for over three years.
TMU’s Senior Vice President for Mission & University Advancement Kevin Reynolds reached out about a potential job opportunity while he was still the Alumni Director.
In the fall of 2022, Kleier joined her alma mater as the new Alumni Director.
Kleier says alumni engagement is very important.
“I love getting to hear alumni stories,” she said. “I want to know, ‘what’s your Thomas More story?’”
In 2024, Kleier was promoted to oversee Annual Giving when Reynolds came to her again to ask her to use her knowledge in government advocacy in another capacity for Thomas More University.
By 2025, Kleier joined the Office of Community and Government Relations, where she now represents the university at the OneNKY Center and will create a plan for the university.
In her current role, Kleier is trying to get a handle on what voting looks like and what that means and also how it affects the Thomas More community.
Over the summer, Thomas More University held a concert at its Biology Field Station. Kleier reached out to many elected officials, telling them about how they could get involved with the community and identifying any mutual connections.
Outside of her work for the university, Kleier wants to help her community understand the election season and voter registration.
She has worked as a poll worker and has been a volunteer during the election season since 2020. She leads a nonpartisan voting guide and just wants a turnout to help restore others’ faith in humanity.
Helping others understand voting is also nothing new for Kleier, as she met her husband, Paul Neltner, through a voting registration booth at Thomas More University.
Many aspects of Kleier’s life tie back to TMU.
One piece of advice she would give current students is to not be afraid of the unknown.
“Don’t be afraid to ask questions,” said Kleier.