Kimberly Guyer
I was a first-generation college student who found my way through college with the help of some faculty and family who believed in me and later pushed me to consider graduate school. I learned how to navigate college in the moment as opposed to having knowledge in advance about how to be successful in college or that it was different from high school. Soon after I graduated with my bachelor’s degree from a small college in Pennsylvania, I obtained a job at Penn State University in the Division of Student Affairs, which is where I learned that there is a whole field dedicated to student success. That’s when I decided to pursue this career with the goal of helping students in a proactive, strategic way so they don’t have to learn everything the hard way or miss out on opportunities for lack of awareness.
I’ve now been in the field for over 26 years, and I find so much satisfaction and joy in getting to know students and seeing what they accomplish during college and after they graduate. I’m still in touch with many former students years after they graduated. I enjoy watching and celebrating their success as well as seeing the people they become.
Education is a life-changing adventure if you allow it to be. For first-generation college students, it’s also life-changing for their families. I encourage all students to be open to all the things college has to offer and to embrace it all, even the challenges, because it will help you learn and prepare for life after college
I encourage all students to be open to all the things college has to offer and to embrace it all, even the challenges, because it will help you learn and prepare for life after college.
- Kimberly
A golden career
If I didn't have this career, I would love to be a Veterinarian. I adore animals and have a golden retriever named Emory, as well as cats. I ride horses and hope to add one to my crew one day, as well as some baby goats. Animals give us so much without asking for much in return.
Advice I'll never forget
“You can’t live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.” This is originally a quote by legendary coach John Wooden, but I heard Lewis Katz share it during a 2014 Temple University commencement address—the best graduation speech I have heard to date!
Geauxing the distance for students
I’m also an avid distance runner and have won some awards for finishing at or near the top of my age group. I am also honored to have received the 2026 NASPA Region II Award for Outstanding Performance as a Chief Student Affairs Officer.
Education
EdD, University of Pennsylvania
MSEd, University of Pennsylvania
MA, Hawaii Pacific University
BA, Susquehanna University
Contact Dr. Guyer
kguyer2@lsu.edu
225-578-8607
LSU Student Union, Fourth Floor