Kristen A Kawczynski Obituary (1972 - 2021)

Kristen Ann Kawczynski, 48, originally from West Caldwell, NJ and Gaithersburg, MD, passed away peacefully after an extended illness on February 25, 2021. A graduate of Hofstra University (BA), and University of Delaware (MA), and University of Hawaii at Manoa (PhD), Kristen earned her Doctorate in Educational Administration in 2009 and distinguished herself as a knowledgeable, empathetic, and effective professional throughout her career. As Coordinator for Judicial Affairs for Albright College (1998-2001), Coordinator for Judicial Affairs and Mediation Services at the State University of New York Institute of Technology (2001-2002), and the Judicial Affairs Officer at University of Hawaii (2002-2005), Kristen managed thousands of judicial cases, implementing both educational programs and sanctions, fairly and competently. Her doctoral dissertation, The College Sophomore Student Experience: A Phenomenological Study of a Second-Year Program, highlights the importance of institutions of higher education providing students both academic and emotional support during this pivotal year. As the first Director of Student Conduct at Tulane University (2009-2011), Director of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution at Florida International University (2011-2019), and Interim Director of Student Conduct at Sonoma State University (2019-2020), Kristen was instrumental in establishing guidelines for student behavior designed to maximize students' safety, success, and happiness within the campus community. Kristen served on the LGBTQA Advisory Boards at Tulane, chaired the Hazing Prevention Task Force at FIU, and worked with the Board of Governors in Florida to design a system-wide Title IX Regulation for all of the state's universities and colleges. Always concerned with student safety issues, she met with members of the Florida legislature to discuss the impact of allowing guns on college campuses. Kristen was actively involved in professional conferences and presentations throughout the U.S., sharing her knowledge and experience regarding judicial and student conduct matters on college campuses. She was most proud of serving as the Chair of the Association for Student Conduct Administration's (ASCA) 25th Anniversary Annual Conference. Kristen poured her heart into teaching and mentoring graduate students as an adjunct faculty member at FIU, and was the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions. Kristen was predeceased by her mother Barbara, and is survived by her father, Edward Kawczynski of Beaufort, SC; her brother John, his wife Heidi, and their children AJ and Julia of Haddonfield, NJ; her beloved cat, Sebastian, and a multitude of friends who will forever miss her broad smile and hearty laugh. Kristen brightened any room she entered. A private memorial service will be held in her honor in Beaufort, SC on March 27th and her ashes will be interred with her mother's remains in New Jersey at a later date. Contributions in her memory may be made to The Kristen Kawczynski Memorial Scholarship for students with learning challenges and perseverance at her undergrad alma mater, Hofstra University. Gifts may be made by going to www.hofstra.edu/giving. In the "I want to support" section, click on the drop-down arrow, select "Specify a scholarship here," and enter "Kristen Kawczynski Memorial Scholarship" in the "Scholarship Name" box.