Education

1994 University of South Florida, B.A. in Visual Communications, Minor in American Sign Language
1999 University of South Florida, M.Ed. in College Student Affairs
2012 University of South Florida, Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration

Career Specialties

Lorie Kittendorf has 20 years of experience in both academic affairs and student affairs. Her research has focused on student expectations and engagement, and she specializes in student persistence, retention initiatives and identity development through a strengths-based education approach. She recently earned a certificate in strengths-based education from the Gallup organization.

Professional and Community Activities

Kittendorf has twice been invited (2005, 2011) to serve on the national conference planning committee for the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), currently serves as the NASPA Region III Awards Co-Chair and has served an on-going role in a variety of capacities on the NASPA-FL Board since 1999.

When did you start and what do you do?

I joined UT in 2010 and provide support systems, programs and initiatives to support first generation and/or historically excluded students, students who are struggling academically, and students who experience challenges transitioning into and through the college experience. I have worked in higher education for more than 25 years in both academic affairs and student affairs. My research has focused on student expectations and engagement, student persistence, retention initiatives and identity development through a strengths-based education approach. I am a Gallup-certified Strengths Educator and love helping students discover and apply their unique Strengths to all aspects of their lives.

What are your favorite hobbies or things to do in Tampa Bay?

I am a lifetime member of Girl Scouts and actively involved with Girl Scouts of West Central Florida. My kid and I love Broadway musicals and are avid theater goers, we are huge Disney fans, and we love visiting restaurants and shops that are highlighted on Food Network or other social media channels. I am also a huge fan of TikTok and love seeing such an amazing cross-section of people, cultures, knowledge, information and talents.

What is your favorite thing about working at UT?

UT has a very innovative and entrepreneurial spirit that allows faculty and staff to launch new programs and collaborate in unique ways that truly benefit the student population, and I love that the campus is still small enough that you can build real relationships with colleagues and with students.