The WSU Department of Computer Science recently welcomed its newest advisor, Kimberly Swisher-Scheich, to their team. Learn more about Kimberly below!
ATA: Tell us a little bit about your educational background and how it relates to your current position.
Kimberly: I have my BA in Linguistics from Michigan State University. I have my MS in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Colorado State University. Between my undergraduate degree and my master’s degree, I planned to pursue a career as a speech language pathologist (SPL). I attended Indiana University’s SPL program for a semester. During that time, I served as a graduate teaching assistant and discovered my love for working with students in an educational capacity. It was that role that led me to change career paths and pursue my passion of working in higher education. My long-term plan is to obtain my Ph.D. in higher education administration or student affairs leadership.
ATA: Can you please tell us a little bit about your student affairs background before joining WSU?
Kimberly: I started my journey with Wayne State University in January 2018 as a Career Advisor in the Mike Ilitch School of Business. I served in that position for 4 years before transitioning to Assistant Director of that office. After a year as Assistant Director, I became a Success Coach in Warrior 360 and served in that role for almost 2 years. Prior to working at Wayne State, I spent time in admissions, residential life, and student life. My goal has always been to support student success and I know that I will be able to contribute to the academic advising team, just as I have in my previous WSU roles.
ATA: When you are not advising, what are some things you like to do for fun?
Kimberly: In my free time, I love to spend time with my husband and two cats, Crispin & Macintosh (We call them apple cats.). I enjoy playing tennis outside when the weather permits, and I am also an avid crafter. I love to make canvasses or other fun craft items that I find on Etsy. I have 5 nieces and 1 nephew that I love to spoil and dote on. I also enjoy puzzling!
ATA: Any interesting or fun facts about yourself that you would like to share?
Kimberly: During college, I worked at Binder Park Zoo as a face painter and still face paint at my niece’s birthday party each year. I am also excellent at making pinatas, and recently made two pinatas, one Taylor Swift and one Gabby Cat for my nieces’ birthday.