AERA/Spencer Doctoral Fellowship

Kristen Renn will leave Office of Student Life to pursue doctorate

Assistant Dean of Student Life Kristen Renn has accepted an AERA/Spencer Doctoral Fellowship and will leave the University to complete doctoral studies in education at Boston College.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Assistant Dean of Student Life Kristen Renn will be leaving the University to complete a doctorate in education at Boston College, according to an announcement today by Robin Rose, dean of student life.

Renn has accepted the prestigious AERA/Spencer Doctoral Fellowship, one of 12 fellowships awarded this year by the American Educational Research Association, in partnership with the Spencer Foundation. In addition to financial support, AERA/Spencer fellows have the opportunity to participate in activities that complement and extend the education and training they receive at their home institutions.

Renn has made many significant contributions to the quality of life at Brown. Between 1989 and 1991 she served as assistant director of student activities and was named assistant dean of student life in the fall of 1991. During the last six years she has directed the Women Peer Counseling Program and has served as liaison for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered concerns. Renn will use her fellowship to support her dissertation research on the college experience of biracial and multiracial students.

"Kris Renn is one of the most creative and insightful student affairs professionals I have had the privilege to work with," said Rose. "We will miss her enormously, but wish her all the best as she completes her degree. The fellowship she has been awarded simply confirms what we have known for a long time: Kris is someone who will continue to have a significant impact on higher education."