Kimberly Moore

Creating a supportive and engaging environment has become more important than ever with the ever-evolving nature of the Higher Education (HE) sector. This focus is central to the work of Kimberly Moore, Vice President (VP) for Student Affairs at Xavier University, a Jesuit Catholic institution known for its commitment to student growth and development.

In today’s conversation, Moore joined Co-host of The Interview Jack Eagle to discuss her unique journey into Student Affairs, her role in advancing Xavier’s student retention and wellness strategies, and the importance of empowering students through open dialogue and community resources.

Kimberly’s Journey

Jack: Let’s start with an introduction to your current role and institution.

I’m the Vice President for Student Affairs at Xavier University. Xavier is one of the 27 Jesuit Catholic institutions in the United States and one of the oldest as well. In my opinion, it’s the perfect size, with around 6,000 students.

Jack: What was your journey into Student Affairs like?

I consider myself a career changer. I started in marketing and advertising right out of undergrad in Chicago – an ideal place for those fields. I was doing what I thought I was supposed to do, but it didn’t feel purposeful; I wasn’t passionate about it, and it soon began to feel like a grind. At the same time, I had been invited back to my alma mater, St. Mary’s College of Notre Dame, to guest lecture on business ethics. Every time I stepped into that classroom, I felt inspired, alive, and purposeful. I wanted to feel that way every day.

So, I decided to pursue a master’s degree in Higher Education, and the rest is history. After a long career across various areas in Student Affairs, I can honestly say I’ve never looked back.

Jack: It’s been almost a year and a half in a new role for you. Tell me about what you’ve done in that time.

It’s no secret that there are a lot of challenges facing U.S. Higher Education right now, and Student Affairs is right in the middle of it all. I was thrilled to take on this VP role at Xavier, especially as someone who thrives on strategic problem-solving. Xavier was looking for someone with a research background in retention, so I hit the ground running and haven’t stopped since.

We’ve focused on developing new strategies, restructuring our organization, and enhancing cross-divisional collaboration. We’re moving change forward quickly – especially for a university – which is really exciting.

‍Jack: Civil discourse is a huge topic at the moment – how have you been addressing it?

This issue has been central to my career, regardless of where I’ve worked. I’m a strong advocate for free speech, even as some opinions and perspectives surrounding it become more polarized on college campuses. I’m proud of the work I’ve done on each campus in promoting dialogues rooted in civility, which is essential to the learning experience. As Student Affairs professionals, we’re here to facilitate growth, even if it’s challenging or uncomfortable. If we don’t advocate for civil discourse, we aren’t fulfilling our roles.

Given the campus climate last year, my president asked me to co-chair a task force on campus expression. We reviewed all our policies to ensure that they protected not only the physical safety of our students but also supported their growth and development without stifling their ability to express themselves.

Jack: Many students feel bombarded with information nowadays – what is the best way you’ve found to engage students?

We’re all still figuring out the best approach. For me, it’s about creating spaces for real conversation. As a VP, I can’t always be directly in the room with students, so I rely on my team. There’s a lot expected of Student Affairs teams across the industry, and it’s easy to fall into a transactional approach out of necessity. But as a VP, I try to set the tone for transformational engagement. By approaching student interactions from a transformational perspective, we don’t have to scramble to communicate one message at a time. We work toward a shared vision that centers on maximizing student growth, which prepares us to navigate challenges without playing catch-up.

‍Jack: What does a great engagement resource look like for your institution?

Historically, Xavier’s Student Affairs department has been quite small and didn’t always have the capacity to meet the needs of every student. I inherited an amazing team, but many departments had been operating at a minimal level. My focus has been on scaling our division to fulfill the expectations of a rich, meaningful college experience. Our approach is anchored in what we call the Eight Dimensions of Wellness. This framework is our Student Affairs curriculum, and it reflects our commitment to educating the whole person. To do that, we make sure students have access to resources that support all dimensions of their well-being.

Jack: What is the best piece of advice you’ve received in your career?

For me, it’s the Serenity Prayer. I love change, but if you go after things you can’t change, it’ll wear you down. It serves as a guide for me in understanding where to focus my energy and what to let go of.