Assistant Professor of Mechanical Technology, Clinton Community College Institute for Advanced Manufacturing Coordinator
When opportunity knocked on Kris Renadette’s door, he not only took a chance, but he proceeded to make the most of it—first by moving away to take a job in Albany, and again by moving back home to Plattsburgh three years ago, leaving a stable government job with a clear path of advancement to embark on his adventure in higher education. Capitalizing on the opportunity has led to his greatest professional success to date — the development and implementation of the Mechanical Technology program at Clinton Community College. Kris believes that your dream job could be any job or task where you can inject your passions—for him, that means working to improve the community, making a difference and helping others.
Hometown: Morrisonville, NY Age: 28
Education: MS in Engineering and Management from Union Graduate College (now called Clarkson Capital Region Campus); BS in Mechanical Engineering from Clarkson University; High School Regents Diploma from Saranac Central School
Community Involvement: Member of the District 3 Volunteer Fire Department, Member of Adirondack Young Professionals
What’s your biggest professional success?
My biggest professional success was the development and implementation of the Mechanical Technology program at Clinton Community College which replaced the Industrial Technology program in August of 2015.
What’s your dream job?
I don’t have a dream job per say, I just inject my passions into whatever job or task I am working on. I am very passionate about improving the community, making a difference, and helping others. This aligns really well with what I do at Clinton Community College, between teaching and working on projects involving the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing.
How do you maintain a work/life balance?
For me it’s all about utilizing the digital calendar in my phone to keep track of meetings and deadlines, and setting and achieving goals both in my work and personal life. When I leave work for the day, I do my best to leave work at work and not bring it home. Typically I go to the gym on the way home which allows for me to decompress from the work day and helps to separate work and home.
What important lessons have you learned in your career?
Striving to achieve your goals can take you on unexpected journeys with interesting twists and turns around every corner. Being successful means you will have to fail, but it’s not about failing, it’s about how you learn from that failure and move on that will shape you moving forward. I have also learned the value of seizing opportunities, opportunities rarely come around twice, sometimes to get where you want to go you have to take a chance on the opportunities that present them self. But it’s not just about taking a chance, you have to make the most of those opportunities.
What’s most exciting trend happening in the community right now?
I look at the community two different ways, personally and professionally. Personally the most exciting trend happening in the community right now is the revitalization of downtown Plattsburgh with a lot more community events, and the development of the waterfront. It is about time we start to take advantage of the beautiful location we live in. Professionally the most exciting trend happening right now is the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing. This institute and its partners will help to strengthen the workforce pipeline helping our industry and its employees to be more successful. Building up the workforce pipeline will help to attract new companies to the area providing an even greater economic benefit for our community.
What would make the North Country a more enjoyable place to live and work?
Take advantage of the lakefront property we have. I know that some plans are in place on a few projects but Plattsburgh has a lot of beautiful lake front property that is either undeveloped or has old unused buildings on the property that could be developed into parks, recreation areas, shopping, and restaurants.
Describe your personal brand in three words.
Opportunity. Pride. Passion.
Who is your mentor and what have you learned from him/her?
My mentor is, always has been, and always will be my father. From my father I have learned and am still learning the value of respect, pride, perseverance, and the importance of helping others. He has taught me the importance of respect to myself and others, even when others are disrespecting you or your family, it’s better to be the bigger person you will always come out on top. Let your pride show through in everything you do because everything you do is a reflection of you. Life throws many obstacles at each one of us but perseverance comes from the mind and a willingness to succeed. If you put your mind to it and stay focused you can truly accomplish anything. Life is too short to look the other way, when someone needs help if you can help them out because someday you may be in their shoes hoping that someone is there to help you.
How do you contribute to the culture of your company?
I contribute to the culture of Clinton Community College by smiling and trying my best to bring a positive attitude with me to everything I take part in, whether it be teaching in a classroom, walking down the hallway, or in a meeting.
What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken?
Leaving a stable government job in manufacturing with a clear path to climb up the ladder within the organization and moving back home to Plattsburgh 3 years ago to embark on an adventure in a whole new world of academics.
What is something that no one would guess about you?
One of my favorite times of year is hunting season.
Write a note to your younger self…
Dear Kris,
Life is full of interesting twists and turns, and the choices we make have a unique way of circling our lives back around. Don’t stress about looking to the future or what is going to come next, don’t try to force time to pass by. This journey has been a blast so look forward to that, sit back and enjoy the ride. Be sure to take advantage of the opportunities that come your way and don’t be afraid to take a chance. Don’t be afraid or worry about moving away from home to take that job in Albany that leads to a wealth of opportunities and open doors. P.S. it also leads to you moving back home with the love of your life. Be sure to travel, you will enjoy experiencing new places and new cultures. Most importantly always be yourself and make sure spending time with your family is a high priority.
Enjoy what lies ahead! Opportunity. Passion.
Your Future Self