Kimberly Colleen Rhyan

I earned my MA in Creative Arts Therapy because I have always had a passion to support at-risk youth; even though I wanted to become an Art Therapist, I found my niche in Higher Education. I have spent my life seeking opportunities to make a difference; through the years, I have learned what it means to advocate for others, especially college students. I serve as the founder and co-chair of Columbus State C.A.R.E.S.. This organization supports students facing extraordinary situations, including homelessness. I have also served on the Ohio Reach Advisory Board for the past 2 ½ years and chair The Ohio Reach Campus Liaison Team at Columbus State. Our liaison team (also called S.P.A.R.K.) Supports foster youth to Prepare, Achieve, Realize and Keep their educational goals within reach. I also co-chair our Student-Parent Community at Columbus State, which provides additional support for several foster youth/mothers. Ultimately, through all of my leadership roles, I am focused on helping students thrive inside and outside the classroom, to increase student success, civic engagement and workforce development to cultivate holistic students.