Professor Kelley Raftery Is Retiring

That Was No Easy Decision

Kelley Raftery grew up in Alton, a riverfront city in Illinois that has international and historic significance. The streets, the buildings, the waterfront… Alton shaped the frontier.

Kelley Raftery is a trailblazer. She was the first female technical instructor at Ranken. She shaped the frontier for the architecture program at Ranken.

Professor Raftery and the city of Alton share many characteristics. But they both started out… trying. And she continues to live that “Try” philosophy.

What Professor Raftery has done for the architecture program at Ranken is incalculable. Her journey with Ranken started in 1983 when she applied as a student for admission to the fledgling architecture program. It wasn’t a lark, she was determined to get a top notch education. She graduated in 1985 and, true to Ranken form… walked right into her first job at Sverdrup as a Drafter. Ready to work. Day one.

Professor Kelley Raftery

Raftery's office with images from the locations she traveled to with students

Professor Raftery joined Ranken in 1994 as an educator in the Architecture program. She has guided students in understanding the balance between aesthetics and functionality, encouraged their appreciation of classic architecture as well as the Avant Garde. She finds inspiration in many places: urban design, historic preservation, design "problem solving," and much more.

Professor Raftery has traveled with her students to several countries to introduce them to the unique and varied architecture that makes up our global society. She is looking forward to getting a motorcycle, while her husband Dan (also formerly at Ranken, where they met) is opting for an RV) and hitting the road. There are no limits to where or how she gets to her next destination.

Professor Raftery and husband Dan Raftery

Ranken Job Fair:

February 2024

Ranken is well known for connecting businesses with our highly qualified students. We host job fairs multiple times each year, at each of our locations. This provides our students and industry leaders the chance to meet face-to-face and talk about the skills our students have, compared to the skills the businesses need.

Traditionally, each Ranken graduate receives an average of five job offers. This year is no exception as most of our soon-to-be graduates are now choosing which job to take!

Learn more at ranken.edu/employers

Post jobs on Ranken Connection at ranken-csm.symplicity.com

For more information, contact careerservices@ranken.edu or call 314-286-3665

Ranken Car Show:

March 23, 2024

Calling all cars, and car aficionados.

The Ranken Car Club will host its Ranken Car Show, as part of Discover Ranken Day, on Saturday March 23rd. If you love cars, or love your car, this is the event for you. Registration is FREE! (whether you want to attend, or want to showcase your ride).

Date: Saturday, March 23, 2024
Time: 8AM to 12pm
Location: 4431 Finney Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63113

Discover Ranken Day is free to attend. Registration is recommended, but not required. Click HERE for more information, and HERE to register your car for the showcase (car registration must be completed by March 18).

Click HERE to support Ranken Students

RANKEN TECHNICAL COLLEGE

4431 Finney Ave.

St. Louis, MO 63113

Professor Kelley Raftery Is Retiring

﻿That Was No Easy Decision

Click HERE to support Ranken Students

That Was No Easy Decision