People

Kristen Renn is a professor of Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education and serves as associate dean of undergraduate studies for student success research. In 2021, Renn assumed the role of the Mildred B. Erickson Distinguished Chair in Higher, Adult and Lifelong Education. Her research centers on college student learning, development, and success in higher education, with current projects focusing on low-income, first-generation students and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender college students. Other interests include college student identity development, student affairs administration, and women's higher education in international contexts. She is one of MSU's liaisons to the University Innovation Alliance and leads several grants related to college student success.