Academic Spotlight: Associate Vice President Dr. Kimberly Blanchette

Dr. Kimberly Blanchette has spent nearly 30 years in higher education and now serves as Southern New Hampshire University’s (SNHU) associate vice president of online business programs and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) programs. She holds an EdD in Educational Leadership from SNHU and a master’s in administrative studies from Boston University.

Recently, she answered questions about the importance of education and what she thinks is unique about faculty and programs she oversees.

Can you tell us about your professional background?

I have served students, faculty and staff for almost three decades in higher education and training. Prior to moving into higher education, I began my career in retail store management and corporate retail buying analysis.

What first drew you to higher education?

From an early age, I always wanted to be able to help others. For a long time and up until I completed my freshman year in college, I wanted to serve in an investigative capacity in law enforcement. As I reflected on my future and what made the most sense for me, I switched my major and decided to focus on business.

I naturally found myself in positions training others and thoroughly enjoying it. Every experience and every opportunity can lead one to where they are meant to be. As someone who loves learning and supporting others, I found myself in higher education and where I’m meant to be.

What aspects of your own education have been influential in shaping your career in academia?

All aspects of my own education have shaped my personal and professional growth. Professionally, the pursuit of my master’s and doctorate degrees influenced the trajectory of my career, and the opportunities presented to me. I value personal growth and development taking advantage of informal and formal educational opportunities.

What attracted you to this field of study? What keeps you excited about it?

I’ve been fortunate to support many disciplines and programs during my higher education tenure. That said, business and technology are areas I’m drawn to and that come naturally to me.

As an educator, I feel a responsibility to our community, country and to humanity, to serve and help educate free-thinking citizens. Technology is advancing exponentially and requires business and technology leaders who are competent, educated, ethical and human centric. I’m honored to be in a position to give back and serve within SNHU’s educational programs.

How have you found ways to effectively connect with students?

It is of the utmost importance to me to connect meaningfully with our students. I love teaching our business courses and advising within our Doctorate in Educational Leadership program.

What brings you the greatest joy in your work at SNHU?

The greatest joy I find is in seeing our students learn, grow and improve their lives by getting closer to realizing their goals. I feel incredibly privileged and find so much joy in supporting our academic teams as they all have tremendous impact on our students. I’m passionately driven to foster growth in learning and goal achievement of individuals and teams.

What do you feel is unique about the faculty and students you work with?

The beauty of humanity is that each of us is individually unique. We each have our own experiences, thoughts, beliefs and backgrounds. This is what drives the power of diversity and inclusion.

What does SNHU’s mission to transform the lives of learners mean to you?

Education transforms individual lives, families, societies and the world! I’m proud to be part of the SNHU team and work toward realizing SNHU’s mission. We are an institution and community who care about all people. All who want to learn and put forth the effort belong at SNHU. Our reach is wide through our social impact efforts. I’m incredibly proud of SNHU!

Outside of work, what’s something you’re passionate about or really enjoy doing?

I’m passionate about living IRL (in real life). I really enjoy traveling with my loved ones. I love meeting people, learning from them, and informing my own perspective through those experiences. I like to create and am currently doing that through card making, embroidery and crocheting.

Joe Cote is a writer and organic marketer at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), where he has worked since 2016. Previously he spent more than a dozen years as a reporter and editor at weekly and daily newspapers in Vermont and New Hampshire. He lives near SNHU's Manchester, New Hampshire campus with his wife and daughter. Connect with him on LinkedIn.