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Staff Spotlight: Taiwo and Kehinde Aderounmu
Introducing Taiwo and Kehinde Aderounmu ‘17 (Business Administration), a pair of twins in the Roberts Wesleyan University family!
Taiwo (“Tai”) works as the Director of Recruiting in the Undergraduate Admissions office, and Kehinde (“Kenny”) works as the Associate Director of the Business Solutions Institute.
The twins moved to America from Nigeria and have built successful careers at Roberts. Taiwo was first hired as a Senior Admissions Counselor in 2018. Kehinde was originally hired as the Sales and Operations Manager for the Community Institutes in 2022.
Their time at Roberts started long before their employment – both brothers graduated with their Business Administration degree in 2017.
Tai on the left and Kenny on the right
What brought you to Roberts and how long have you been here?
Tai and Kenny: One of the things that made us choose Roberts as students was the faculty members and the community. We saw people who cared for one another and we wanted to be a part of that. As undergrads, we both came to be part of the soccer team and we continue to be involved with the team today.
What does “character education” mean to you?
Tai and Kenny: Character education means becoming more well rounded individuals and not only obtaining tools for everyday life, but also discovering what it means to be a neighbor and a friend. It means learning how to be compassionate and empathetic to people around you, including people who may not agree with you.
Working at Roberts has helped our character development as we are surrounded by servant leaders who have taught us how to lead effectively, by example, and to do the right thing even when no one is watching.
Tai and Kenny wearing Dashikis, an example of popular Nigerian clothing
What’s one of your favorite memories you’ve shared with your brother?
Tai: There’s a lot. It is hard to pick just one. One of my favorite memories is playing on the soccer field with Kenny. It is one thing that has stayed the same since we were little. We have a bond both on and off the field.
Kenny: My favorite memory is when a referee mixed us up on the field during a game and gave Tai a red card that was meant for me! Tai took the red card so I could stay on the field and finish the game. I think that it is a solid representation of the bond that we share as brothers.
Kenny playing soccer
What do you like best about being a twin?
Tai: Everything. I like that I have someone who fully understands me and always having a companion. From a young age we have supported each other in new circumstances, environments, and situations. We did everything together, including choosing Roberts for college and for our careers. We never had to do something by ourselves. It is also fun to play pranks on people!
Kenny: It is like having a built-in best friend. I like that I have someone who understands exactly what I’m going through and the way I feel about things. You also always have a “conversation starter.”
Tai and Kenny signing to Roberts
What gets you out of bed every morning and into the office?
Tai: My alarm clock, haha.
Kenny: My 1.5 year old!
Tai: But seriously, the opportunity to help students make important college decisions is what gets me out of bed in the morning. I know how valuable my college education wass for me and I am excited to help these students understand what it really means to go to college and the process of getting there.
Kenny: I enjoy the privilege to work with an amazing group of people and the opportunity to share about the resources the university has for the community.
Tai and Kenny as kids
What is your favorite quote or verse and why?
Tai: Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.” In most situations, as human beings, we seek to control the situation, but it’s not up to us. God has a plan and it’s important to be reminded that we just need to be still so we can hear his voice.
Kenny: Psalm 91 says, “He who dwells in the shelter of the most high will abide in the shadow of the almighty.” It is a reminder that God is in control no matter what life serves you.