Dr. Kristina Bethea Odejimi is an accomplished higher education executive with nearly 20 years of experience advancing student success, organizational effectiveness, and institutional transformation. She has held senior leadership positions at Emory University and Bowdoin College, as well as a senior administrative role at an all-girls boarding and day school. Earlier in her career, she held posts at the University of Virginia and the University of Arkansas.

Throughout her career, Dr. Odejimi has demonstrated expertise in strategic leadership, organizational development, change management, and evaluating structures and systems to strengthen institutional effectiveness. A collaborative, student-centered leader, she is passionate about cultivating inclusive, engaging campus communities; fostering meaningful partnerships; and advancing innovative approaches to student advocacy, belonging, and success. Her leadership is grounded in accountability, trust, and a commitment to empowering individuals and teams to thrive.

Dr. Odejimi is actively engaged in advancing the student affairs profession through her leadership with NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. She currently serves on the NASPA Board of Directors and as Chair of the 2027 NASPA Annual Conference. Her extensive professional service includes membership on the NASPA Region III Advisory Board, AVP Steering Committee, AVP Symposium Planning Team, and Region I Conference Committee. She also served as Director of the 2025 NASPA Institute for New AVPs, following her service as a faculty member in 2024.

Dr. Odejimi earned her Doctor of Education in Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University, Master of Education in Student Affairs Practice in Higher Education from the University of Virginia, and Bachelor of Arts in Sociology/Anthropology and Black Studies from Denison University.