September 10, 2009 – Someone You Should Know

Kimberlie Goldsberry, Dean of Students

Photo by Emily Hastings ’10

Kimberlie Goldsberry
Your Dean of Students

Kimberlie Goldsberry, Ohio Wesleyan University’s new dean of students, is excited to meet all of the OWU students. “I’ve been to a few large-scale events, so I’ve gotten to meet some people that way,” she says. But Goldsberry encourages students to stop by her office—Room 230 in Hamilton-Williams Campus Center—and say “Hi.”

Goldsberry, who started August 20, says everyone on campus has been friendly and helpful. “People are always willing to answer my questions and help out, which is important when you’re in a new place,” she says.

As dean of students, Goldsberry is in charge of “providing a safe and supportive environment for learning.” She simplifies her job responsibilities to four words: mentor, coach, partner, and “firefighter”—putting out the little “fires” that sometimes occur.

“I frequently say ‘I am your dean of students.’ I am here for the students,” Goldsberry stresses. “We want to provide opportunities for students to be engaged in student life without worrying about obstacles.

“I want students to know there are good reasons to come talk with the dean—not just when you’re having trouble,” she says. “I would love to help with any concerns people might have and give my perspective on programming ideas. I want to create a positive experience for everyone during their time here.”

Goldsberry previously worked at Xavier University in Cincinnati. “During my 13 years there, I held four different titles,” she says. She most recently served as Xavier’s executive director of student involvement.

Although Goldsberry started less than three weeks ago, she already has new ideas for OWU.

“We have two new programs planned for this year,” she says. The first, justly named ‘Dine with the Dean,’ is a time where students can eat lunch with Goldsberry and talk with her about any ideas, concerns, or recommendations they might have for the university. “We want this to be an avenue for the student voice, and then we can share/respond to students’ needs,” she says.

The other program is a collaboration with OWU Public Safety and the Delaware Police Department. “We will visit students living off-campus to help them learn how to be part of a community and how to be a good neighbor,” Goldsberry says. “It’s designed to be a proactive approach to neighborhood relations.”

Goldsberry says she is looking forward to exploring Delaware. “I’ve already been to Buehler’s and the Farmers’ Market, but I still have a lot more to see.”

She noticed some of Delaware’s available storefronts and says that one day she would love to own her own business. “I would love to open a little boutique that promoted local art and local designers.”

In fact, when Goldsberry was younger, she wanted to be an art teacher. “I love doing creative things and making things with my hands,” she says. “I have been sewing since I was a little kid. I love making clothes, handbags, and home décor.”

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, although she says sometimes it is difficult because everyone is so spread out.

A little bit extra:

• What television shows do you like to watch? – Project Runway, America’s Got Talent, Law & Order
• Coffee or Tea? – Diet coke, but I’ll drink tea or hot chocolate in the winter
• If you could have any super natural power, what would it be? – The power to plant the seed in people to be more motivated
• Where is your favorite place you have traveled? – Italy and Ireland
• If you could be any animal in the world, what would you be? – I would just want to be any pet in a loving home
• What music is in your stereo? – U2, Lenny Kravitz, and John Legend

– Emily Hastings ’10