Meet the New Director of Student Success: Kristin Williams

Kristin L. Williams, M.Ed., is a seasoned leader in higher education and career services, boasting over 20 years of experience in career coaching, employer relations, and student engagement. Previously the Director of the Career Services Office at Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship at Kent State University in Ohio, she has a proven track record of enhancing student success through strategic vision and innovative programming. Kristin’s commitment to inclusivity and her adeptness at fostering academic and corporate partnerships have been instrumental in securing substantial support for student resources and achieving impressive placement rates for graduates.  

As Crummer’s new Director of Student Success, Kristin has a vision of bringing the center office under a cohesive umbrella and working across other centers such as Leadership Development creating intentional collaborations for leadership development and career management activities. She also wants to bring connections to the forefront for success regardless of the length of time a student is with us. These connections could be recruiters, employers, or alums, and her goal is for all students to have at least three new connections before they leave each time they participate in student success programming at Crummer. 

Students attending in the fall can look forward to a variety of programming tailored toward their goals including traditional workshops and prep programs, exposure to employers off campus during site visits, programs connecting them with alums in-person or virtually, and self-development leadership and prep opportunities. Kristin wants to work on embedding these initiatives into the student experience, so they don’t take up extra time in addition to core coursework. She wants to build upon what students are already doing.  

The biggest challenge Kristin is facing now is the same as anyone in a new position—learning. “I want to make sure I am enhancing the Crummer experience. This summer I am doing more listening than talking, and planning for a successful launch in the fall.” Her favorite part of this position is working with students and on the strategic vision of the team. “I enjoy refreshing the student success experience for Crummer.” 

In addition to her career, Kristin is also pursuing her Ed.D. in Interprofessional Leadership. Getting a doctorate was always on her radar, but she delayed her decision until the timing was right for her family. She began her program at Kent State in 2020 just before the pandemic hit and has now finished her coursework, focusing solely on her dissertation about career professionals’ perceptions of AI as a tool in the career process.  

Kristin is also heavily engaged with the Career Leadership Collective, a professional organization for career professionals. She’s been involved since its inception in 2017-2018 and in the inaugural mastermind group. Many other Rollins colleagues are also involved with the org. One aspect of the collective that Kristin supports is how they help to push the idea of career success for students as part of a college’s strategic success plan.  

Kristin is also involved with the Women in Business conference where she previously served as co-chair of the conference planning team. Through this experience, Kristin enhanced her knowledge of how to have more women in leadership positions. “We need to get women to share their experiences with other women and also have men share how they removed barriers for women. Talking about challenges and success is important. We also need to make space for mentorship, learning, and exposure.”   

Along with this knowledge, Kristin also has excellent tips for students in their job search. As far as interviews go, practice is an important part of the process. “Research the role and practice your answers, what you want to ask, as well as interview techniques. Record yourself and rehearse with others who can give you feedback. Practice will help with your confidence and take away the natural anxiety that comes with interviewing.”  

After securing a position and starting the new role, Kristin recommends to fully immerse yourself and learn as much as possible. “Take advantage of formal and informal mentorship. Plan for your own training as much as your supervisor. Pay attention to company culture and the environment. Find a friend or trusted colleague you can ask for insights. And lastly, don’t be afraid to ask questions.” 

When Kristin isn’t working for Crummer or on her dissertation, she enjoys spending time with her three children at the beach, at Disney, or in her garden. She loves to be outside whenever she can and is looking forward to winters in Florida. She is also eagerly anticipating when she can read historical fiction again after she finishes her dissertation this year.  

Kristin Williams’ arrival as the new Director of Student Success at Crummer heralds an exciting era of enhanced student engagement and success. With her extensive experience in career services and a strategic vision for student connections, Kristin is set to integrate impactful programs seamlessly into the student experience. With her leadership, Crummer students can look forward to a supportive and thriving environment, poised for success in their academic and professional journeys.