Kristi Holsinger

In Higher Education (HE), student success requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond academics. It involves addressing the diverse needs of students and creating an environment where they feel supported, valued, and equipped to succeed. 

In this installment of The Interview, Co-Host Jack Eagle sat down with Kristi Holsinger, Senior Vice Provost for Student Success at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, to discuss the innovative strategies and programs that are helping students thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

Kristi’s Journey

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

I joined UMKC in 1999 as an assistant professor in the Criminal Justice and Criminology department. I truly loved the work, focusing most of my time on meeting promotion milestones and advancing to professor. Eventually, I was asked to serve as the departmental Chair, a role I also enjoyed. As I became more involved in administrative responsibilities, the Dean invited me to serve as an Associate Dean.

Later, I joined a search committee for a new position: Senior Vice Provost for Student Success. At the time, I thought it looked like a daunting role, one I would never have applied for. When the search ended unsuccessfully, the Chancellor asked me to serve as the interim SVP. A few weeks into the role, the campus shut down due to the pandemic, so I had to learn the job virtually. Despite the challenges, we’ve made significant progress since then.

Much of my work centers around addressing the holistic needs of our students, and it's been an incredible opportunity to identify and dismantle the barriers they face. For example, to improve retention, we’ve launched several key initiatives: the Financial Wellness Center, the Dr. Raj Bala Agrawal Care Center (which includes a food pantry), and extensive programming for first-generation students. Notably, students in the First Gen Roo Scholars program have demonstrated higher retention rates and GPAs compared to all first-time college students. These efforts have directly contributed to our record-breaking incoming class, with 58% of this fall’s new students identifying as first-generation.

Additionally, we’ve introduced innovative programs like The Professional Career Escalator and the Men of Color Academy. Now in their third and second years, both initiatives are thriving and creating lasting impact. There is much to be excited about as we continue to build on these successes.

‍Jack: How do you promote a positive campus environment for all students?

A key aspect has been encouraging students to move away from a competitive, comparison-driven mindset. Instead, we focus on helping them appreciate their unique qualities while also acknowledging and valuing differences.

We’ve promoted resources like first-generation scholarships, which have been particularly impactful in engaging students. And, of course, events with food are always popular!

Students also show a strong interest in career-focused opportunities. For example, we’ve partnered with the Kansas City Chiefs to connect their professionals with our students, who get to hear inspiring career stories.

Collaboration is another important piece. Rather than creating entirely new programs, we’ve integrated career and personal development content into existing events and spaces where students already gather. This approach has been very effective.

Jack: Student bodies are becoming more and more diverse. How do you try to engage as many students as possible in non-academic topics?

I’m fortunate to have program directors who excel at this. For example, our financial wellness center team regularly seeks student feedback, asking what we’ve done well and where we can improve. It’s crucial to show students that their voices are heard and their input is implemented.

One great example was a workshop on buying a car. Students provided detailed feedback on what they’d like us to focus on next time, based on their real-life experiences. We’ve also been strategic with funding, using it to elevate events and deliver content in a more intentional and impactful way.

Jack: How do you incorporate technological innovation into the structure of your team and the work you do?

We move relatively quickly for an HE institution. A lot of this is thanks to the leadership at UMKC, which actively encourages creativity, innovation, and non-traditional approaches.

For instance, we’ve rapidly implemented recommendations from the National Institutes of Student Success. This culture of support for fresh ideas enables my team to solve problems more effectively and achieve great results.

Jack: What is a key takeaway from your career that you try to share with your own team? 

My journey into leadership roles wasn’t something I actively pursued – it was others who recognized my potential and encouraged me. That has been an incredible experience and has taught me the importance of professional development.

Now, I strive to do the same for my team, helping them identify growth opportunities and realize their potential. There’s always more to learn and countless ways to grow.