Utah State University has taken a step to intensify its focus on undergraduate affairs with the appointment of Kris Winter as the institution's first senior vice president of that department. Set to take on her new role on August 11, Winter's arrival comes with a wealth of experience in student life and administration. According to USU Today, Winter is transitioning from her current position as the associate vice president for Student Life at the University of Oregon, a role she has filled since 2016 with various responsibilities, including dean of students and interim vice president for student life.
Kris Winter's tenure at the University of Oregon has been marked by initiatives to promote student prosperity in terms of health, safety, and academic success. Known to constantly seek to improve the college experience, Winter said she is "honored to be joining this vibrant and prestigious institution," expressing that USU deeply values the student experience, as she told USU Today. This enthusiastic dedication is now expected to benefit USU, with the provost and executive vice president, Laurens (Larry) H. Smith, highlighting Winter's passion for students and innovation as valuable attributes for the major student units at USU.
Boasting over 20 years of experience in the field of higher education, Kris Winter has worked in various capacities, including key roles at Western Washington University and Oregon State University. Her academic credentials include a bachelor's degree with honors in educational studies, a master’s degree in college student services administration, and a doctorate in educational leadership, with a focus on nontraditional admissions criteria for at-risk student populations. Adding to her practical experience, Winter's research offers insights into how such criteria can affect student retention and success rates. The significance of her work is acknowledged by her peers and is now poised to translate into actionable strategies for USU.
In her future role, Winter plans to actively work with colleagues to continue driving enrollment while remaining centered on delivering student-centered experiences. “I am excited to work with colleagues across the state to continue increasing enrollment, delivering student-centered experiences, and supporting all learners as they strive to reach their goals,” Winter said, as per USU Today. Alongside her administrative duties, she has notably co-chaired the UO threat assessment team and served on both the Incident Management Team and Demonstration & Protest Response Team. Her active involvement in these areas signals a hands-on approach to campus security and student advocacy.
