Kirsten Kennedy has been named associate vice president for student housing and well-being in the University of South Carolina Division of Student Affairs and Academic Support.

Beginning July 2, Kennedy will lead University Housing, faculty-led living and learning communities and Student Health Services. 

She has served as interim associate vice president since January, while Student Affairs and Academic Support conducted a national search to fill the position.

"Among three outstanding finalists, Dr. Kennedy distinguished herself as an expert in student development, a savvy business person and a student advocate who embraces social change. This uncommon combination of skills makes her the ideal person for the role," said Dennis Pruitt, vice president for student affairs. "Her 10 years of leadership as University Housing executive director and her experience as interim AVP have positioned her to lead the university's efforts in fostering a safe, civil and nondiscriminatory environment where students can thrive as they prepare for successful lives after graduation."

Kennedy joined University Housing in 2008 and has held positions of increasing responsibility. As the current executive director of university housing, she oversees all facets of the unit, including residence life, facilities operations, administration, technology, business services, assessment and construction and renovation. Prior to joining UofSC, she served as associate director of residential life, housing operations and associate director of residential life, business operations at the University of Missouri.

Kennedy earned her bachelor's degree in business administration and her MBA at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania and her Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy analysis with an emphasis in higher and continuing education from the University of Missouri.