Franciscan University of Steubenville has appointed Kimberly King as the new vice president of Student Life. King, who graduated from Franciscan University in 1995 with a master’s degree in counseling, brings over three decades of experience in higher education to the position.

King previously worked at Binghamton University in New York and Ave Maria University in Florida. At Ave Maria, she served for nearly ten years as vice president of Student Affairs and dean of Students. Her responsibilities included overseeing residential life, campus ministry, career services, health services, and student engagement. She also acted as Title IX coordinator during her tenure.

Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, president of Franciscan University, commented on the appointment: “I’m excited to welcome Kim King to the Franciscan University community. She brings a great wealth of higher education experience to this position, as well as her strong Catholic faith. She is passionate about forming our students as joyful disciples and creating an environment of encounter, conversion, and community.”

While at Ave Maria University, King established a health clinic to improve medical care access for students on campus and launched a wellness program. She also developed crisis management policies and mental health support systems for students. In addition to her work with student life programs, she contributed to institutional development and strategic planning.

In her new role at Franciscan University starting November 17, King will oversee residence life, student activities and leadership programs, student conduct processes, international student services, wellness and counseling services, dining operations, orientation events for new students, campus events coordination, and athletics. She will focus on fostering the university’s Catholic identity while advancing its mission through initiatives outlined in the Be Light Strategic Plan.

King expressed appreciation for her new position: “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve in this role and help form young adults who will shape the future of the Church and society. Having dedicated my lifework to accompanying students in their growth, I find deep joy in walking with them as they integrate faith, learning, and daily life, and in witnessing their unfolding call to live out their unique vocation,” she said. “Franciscan University has long been a leader in faithful Catholic higher education and continues to set the standard in this transformative work. It will be a privilege to give back to the place that so profoundly shaped my own formation as a Catholic disciple.”

King holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Richmond. She is married to Scott King ’96; together they have six children.