Kimberly Thornton
MY STORY
My name is Kimberly Thornton. I am currently the Director of Career Services at LSU Shreveport (LSUS). I have been working at LSUS for a little over 11 years in a variety of student affairs departments. I was the director of student activities for eight years and the director of admissions for three years. I love working in higher education. I enjoy helping students succeed in college and prepare for life after graduation. My research interests include determining the factors that lead to student recruitment, engagement, and retention at institutions of higher education.
 The Shreveport Times Magazine, Rouge, published a feature on women and careers. |  LSUS students participating in student life on campus, an important part of student retention and engagement. |
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 The Noel Memorial Library located on the LSUS campus. It is the future home of the LSUS Academic Success Center. |  LSUS students cheering on the LSUS Pilots basketball team. Athletic events promote student engagement and lead to student retention. |
 LSUS students learning about different career options at the LSUS Fall 2015 Job & Internship Fair hosted by LSUS Career Services. |  LSUS students graduating and ready to achieve their career goals. |
Research Interests
Student Recruitment - My dissertation topic is on student recruitment. What factors do college students consider when choosing a college to attend?
- By discovering the considerations students use when deciding on a college to attend, universities can more effectively recruit students and increase student enrollment. For example, factors could include level of financial aid received, proximity to home, where friends are attending, athletics, and/or majors offered.
Student Engagement & Retention - How does student engagement in the classroom and on campus impact student retention at a university?
- I am currently working with the LSUS Dean of Students to create, design, and open the LSUS Academic Success Center to help students academically succeed through providing free academic services such as tutoring, academic coaching, supplemental instruction,and academic workshops to students.
My Educational Background
Louisiana Tech University
- Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership - Concentration: Higher Administration
Northwestern University
- Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications
-Concentration: Public Relations
Louisiana State University (LSU)
- Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications
- Concentration: Public Relations
- Minor: Business Administration