Alumni Spotlight: Katherine Montgomery '10
A Conversation with Katherine Montgomery '10
September 22, 2026
We close out our September series celebrating alumni who've returned to ESD as full-time faculty and staff with Katherine Montgomery '10, Assistant Director of College Guidance and Eastin Family WORX Internship Coordinator — a role that lets her walk students through their next steps, twice over.
When They Win, I've Won Too
For Katherine, purpose shows up in the connections between her two roles. Both College Counselor and WORX Coordinator, she says, revolve around helping students figure out what's next.
I feel a sense of pride for my students when I've spent time working with them on their WORX Internship application — from resume to interview to soft skills training — and then they go on to make meaningful connections at their internship that leads them to more impactful college application essays and results," she says. "When they win, I feel like I've won too.
The ESD Foundation: Traditions Worth Passing On
Katherine says she learned the school's traditions and expectations so thoroughly that it's part of what drew her back to work here more than a decade later.
Now, she gets to pass that history on to her own advisees — explaining the origins of things like the English Department's Harkness Table, the Name Game, and the importance of the advisory system. Her favorite ESD tradition is Lessons & Carols.
Education and Professional Excellence
- Undergraduate: Southern Methodist University; B.A.
- Graduate: Texas Tech University; M.A. in Strategic Communication and Innovation
- Current Role: Assistant Director of College Guidance; Eastin Family WORX Internship Coordinator at ESD
Purpose: Colleagues and Curious Students
When asked about the best part of working at ESD, Katherine points to the people around her. "There isn't a work day that goes by that I haven't laughed with a colleague," she says. "I also love working with the students. They are smart, curious and engaged."
Outside of ESD, Katherine enjoys cheering on the SMU Mustangs and finding new restaurants to try in Dallas.
Every day, our alumni are fulfilling ESD’s mission by making an incredible impact on the world. From innovative entrepreneurs to community leaders to creative trailblazers, their stories are a testament to the power of our community and the values we share. This series is dedicated to showcasing the diverse paths our alumni have taken and the meaningful work they are doing. We believe their journeys will inspire you and highlight the many ways our alumni are living lives of purpose.
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Each month, we feature a new Alumni Spotlight, and we're looking for alumni stories to highlight your success, purpose, and impact. Whether you've launched a new business, led a community initiative, achieved a personal goal, or made a difference in your field, we want to celebrate your accomplishments. Ready to be featured? Submit your updates and achievements through the form below for a chance to be our next alumni spotlight.
