Emporia State’s new vice president for student success and associate teaching professor returns to her alma mater with a passion for student success and experience to build a stronger department.
Dr. Taylor Kriley begins her new role in early July.
“This is my dream job at a university and in a community that I deeply love!” said Kriley about the ESU position.
Kriley joins ESU’s Division of Enrollment Management and Student Success, which includes nearly every non-academic unit aside from infrastructure. This includes Center for Student Involvement, Memorial Union, Residential Life, Student Recreation Services and Student Wellness.
“Our efforts are at the heart of the university and extend to every facet of the institution and community, creating an unparalleled learning environment where students learn, belong, engage and lead,” she explained.
Kriley first came to Emporia State University in 2005 as a student. She earned graduate and undergraduate degrees in School Counseling and Communication with a minor in Leadership Studies from ESU before earning a doctor of education degree in leadership in higher education from Baker University in 2018.
She first worked at ESU in 2011 as the director of fraternity and sorority life and moved into other roles before becoming senior director of the Center for Student Involvement in January 2016. Kriley moved to Fort Hays State University in July 2017 as senior diversity officer and director of diversity and inclusion. She advanced into other roles and now serves as assistant vice president for student affairs and assistant professor of advanced education programs at Fort Hays State University.
“Dr. Kriley is highly regarded for her ability to create and implement innovative programs that significantly enhance the overall student experience. Her collaborative approach fosters teamwork across various university divisions and departments,” said ESU President Ken Hush. “She is perfectly suited to return to ESU and our new model of higher education where our focus is on students, students, students.”
Kriley agrees that her professional path has led her back to Hornet Nation.
“I have dedicated my career to exploring both curricular and co-curricular learning environments,” she said. “I have learned student success generates a ripple effect, transforming access and success in higher education for future generations.”
Kriley will return to Emporia with her husband, Dr. Luke Kriley, DPT, also a two-time ESU alum. In April, Luke Kriley was inducted into the ESU Health, Physical Education, and Recreation Hall of Honor. They have two energetic children, Wrenly and Wickam.