Hometown Hillsdale: Kelly Lantis, ’86
Written by Stephanie Gordon
The love for Hillsdale, Michigan, and Hillsdale College runs deep in the Lantis family. Kelly Stewart Lantis, ’86, proudly stated that 19 of her family members have attended the College, including her parents, her husband, and all four of her children. For 35 years, Kelly and her husband, Jeff, ’86, have happily called Hillsdale home.
It all started with her parents, who met at the College. Kelly’s father, Gary Stewart, ’62, purchased sporting goods store Sportsarama in Sturgis, Michigan, where Kelly was raised. She recalled Athletic Director Jack McAvoy, ’55, calling her dad and explaining the College’s need for a sporting goods representative for Chargers athletics.Thus began a partnership between the Athletic Department and Kelly’s dad. The College became a large part of her upbringing, and Kelly knew she wanted to attend Hillsdale College.
Kelly did just that. She majored in finance and minored in psychology with a strong concentration in accounting. During her time at Hillsdale, she ran track, joined the cheer team, became a member of Chi Omega, and met her future husband.
She fondly remembers her favorite accounting professor, Febes Facey. “She was so compassionate and would give us a piece of candy and a Bible verse on a bookmark before each exam,” said Kelly. “I just adored her.” English professor Dr. James King was also influential, as he taught Kelly business writing that has helped her in the business world.
After graduating, Kelly accepted a position with Manufacturers National Bank in downtown Detroit, Michigan. She worked there for two years until she and Jeff married in 1988. They decided to call Hillsdale home, where Jeff was already working as the Director of Placement and Career Services for the College.
“I was looking for a job, and I accepted a position with County National Bank (CNB) because I was given the opportunity to start a credit department,” said Kelly. “After having my second child, I decided to go part time at CNB. I worked part time for 19 years, and we raised four children during that time. I also worked as an aide and substitute teacher at Hillsdale Academy, where my children went to school.”
In 2012, Kelly was asked to come back to CNB at a full-time capacity. Recently, Kelly received a promotion, becoming the vice president of Hillsdale Market and Commercial Credit Office. Her duties include overseeing the commercial credit and processing function at the bank, as well as focusing on overall business development and continued growth in the Hillsdale market.
“College graduates who have an interest in finance tend to gravitate toward larger national banks when starting their careers,” Kelly said. “I think that community banking offers more experiences and opportunities. In particular, I enjoy developing relationships with customers on a high level. I get to know customers well so that when trying times occur, they trust me to help them. I am proud of the work CNB has done throughout my career to help this community.”
Kelly loves living and working in Hillsdale because to her, it really is the people. “People in Hillsdale are extremely friendly and loyal,” Kelly said. “The small community allows for close relationships, which made me feel confident and safe while I raised my family here.”
Outside of the office, Kelly loves spending time with her family, especially her four grandchildren. Three of her four children are married to Hillsdale alums, and Kelly happily announced that she and Jeff, who now works as the Director of External Relations for Athletics at the College, are planning one last wedding for their daughter, who is getting married in Hillsdale this fall.
“Don’t discount Hillsdale,” Kelly smiled. “It’s not only a great place to live, but also to work.”
Stephanie Gordon, a lifelong Hillsdale native, is the managing editor of Hillsdale College’s Student Stories Blog. She is married to chiropractor, Dr. Matt Gordon, and has three children – Eloise, Flora, and Jack. When she has a spare moment, she enjoys paleo baking, floating on Baw Beese Lake, and breaking a sweat at the gym.
Published in May 2023