Kimberly Poole ’95, M ’02, Ph.D. ’14 has been named associate vice president and dean of students at Clemson University. Poole was selected for the position following a national search and starts her new role on April 1. She assumes the role after serving as assistant vice president and senior associate dean of students.
“I am excited for Kimberly and excited for Clemson,” says Vice President for Student Affairs Doug Hallenbeck. “Kimberly is a proven student advocate who leads with compassion. She has been instrumental in my transition back to Clemson and a trusted member of the Clemson Family. I look forward to her leadership in driving us to be the No. 1 student experience in the country.”
Poole has worked in the Division of Student Affairs in various roles since 2005. She holds administrative responsibility over several areas, including Advocacy and Success, Fraternity and Sorority Life, Military and Veteran Engagement, and Interpersonal Violence Response. She chairs the University’s behavioral intervention team and co-chairs the threat assessment team, serves as advisor for both Clemson Undergraduate Student Government and Graduate Student Government, and is a liaison with multiple campus partners.
“It is an incredible privilege to serve Clemson University and its students, and I look forward to continuing my professional growth as we advance work through our Dean of Students Office and the Division of Student Affairs,” Poole says. “I was positively impacted by my student experience at Clemson and want to ensure that continues for current and future generations, so that they understand and value the importance of their time at Clemson and beyond.”
Poole was the inaugural director of the Office of Advocacy and Success from 2015-22, leading a staff who served students as a trusted place for care and referrals to campus and community partners. Prior to that, she spent nine years as a licensed professional counselor in Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at Redfern Health Center.
During her time at Clemson, Poole has been recognized for outstanding work. She was part of the inaugural cohort of the President’s Leadership Institute (PLI) in 2016-17. She completed the Harvard Institute for Management and Leadership and Education in 2022 and was named Veteran Champion of the Year in 2024 by the Military Friendly® program. Poole is also an honorary member of Omicron Delta Kappa, Blue Key Honor Society and The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.
A first-generation college student and native of nearby Seneca, Poole owns a bachelor’s degree in sociology, master’s degree in education with an emphasis in counseling and guidance services, and a doctorate in educational leadership with an emphasis in higher education.