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Krista Klein
Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, Honors College at Rutgers University
Professional Background
Krista Klein is a highly accomplished higher education professional dedicated to creating enriching learning experiences for students. With nearly a decade of experience in various roles across higher education institutions in the vibrant New York City metropolitan area, Krista has established herself as an expert in student leadership, training and development, and service learning. Her current role as the Assistant Dean and Director for Student Outreach and First-Year Transition at Rutgers University showcases her commitment to enhancing the academic and social experiences of incoming students.
In her position at the new Honors College at Rutgers, she took the initiative to collaborate closely with the Student Affairs team to establish a comprehensive student affairs department. This involved the exciting supervision of in-residence mentors, fostering student leadership development, and orchestrating engaging welcome week programs designed to ease the transition for first-year students. Through innovative thinking and strategic planning, Krista has successfully implemented numerous programs that emphasize service learning and community engagement, such as Start With Service, Changemakers Week, and Serve the Shore programming, which was developed in response to Hurricane Sandy's impact.
Education and Achievements
Krista's educational background is robust and diverse, reflecting her passion for learning and her dedication to the field of education. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies, Psychology, and Journalism from Rutgers University, where she laid the foundation for her multifaceted approach to education and communication. Following her undergraduate studies, she pursued a Master of Arts in Education at New York University, deepening her understanding of educational practices and policies.
Currently, Krista is actively pursuing her Doctor of Philosophy in Education at the Rutgers Graduate School of Education, focusing her research on organizational change within higher education. Her research investigates the vital role of stakeholder engagement, including students, faculty, and staff, in effecting meaningful change on college campuses.
Throughout her career, Krista has held various positions that highlight her expertise and leadership in student affairs. Her former roles include Assistant Director for Student Affairs at the Honors College and Interim Assistant Director for New Student Orientation and Family Programs at Rutgers University. In addition, she served as the Assistant Director for Student Involvement and Community Service Initiatives, where she championed student engagement and advocacy for community service.
Krista began her journey in higher education in a supportive capacity as a Graduate Intern for Commuter Student Services at Fordham University, where she gained valuable insights into the diverse needs of students transitioning to college life.
Personal Life
Beyond her professional endeavors, Krista is a devoted mother to her daughter, Mira, and finds joy in nurturing their family. She enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her loved ones, including her cherished cats. Krista is also very active on social media platforms, where she shares her insights and experiences in higher education. You can connect with her on Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest @kristakleinnj, where she engages with a community of fellow educators, students, and individuals passionate about learning and development.