Kristi was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska attending Nebraska Wesleyan University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in communication studies. Kristi credits the kind faculty and staff at Nebraska Wesleyan for guiding, supporting, and encouraging her to consider higher education as a career field. When you see her in the halls, don't be afraid to ask her about the story that got her into higher education - it’s a good one that ends with a crying 18-year-old Kristi saying, ‘please don’t call my mom”. Her higher education work landed her in many different places including North Carolina and Texas. She earned her master’s from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas where she worked for many years in various roles including admissions, recruitment, and financial aid.

On a personal note, Kristi is a dog mom to the fabulous Mr. Furley, a doodle mix.  Her time away from the office is spent with family and friends, listening regularly to the Hamilton Soundtrack, waiting for the next Marvel movie debut, doing all things crafting, planning her next trip abroad with her travel crew and completing the daily Wordle.