When Kristi Kneas entered Elizabethtown College as an associate professor of chemistry, she had no idea that she would one day hold her current position of Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. Kneas did know that while she enjoyed chemistry, what she really loved was teaching others and working on their skills. This love of communicating and developing people is one of the things that keeps Kneas’s role at Etown fluid.
As an undergraduate student, Kneas, who now holds a doctorate in analytical chemistry, thought that she was on the path to be a biochemist. “It took me maybe one or two semesters to realize that the ‘bio’ part in chemistry, sorry to my biology colleagues, was not really my favorite,” she laughed.
After Kneas graduated with her B.S. in chemistry, she went to a graduate program where she had participated in a summer research experience. “My research mentor had a full life beyond chemistry, and that really spoke to me. He really cared about the individuals and what their aspirations were,” she said.
While in graduate school, Kneas became president of the graduate student association. The organization launched a newsletter that highlighted several different activities. “I think this idea of working to strengthen [the] community is something that has always been important,” Kneas said about the experience.
Kneas became a part of Etown in 2006. After her first position as a professor, she rose to Chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, then Dean for Academic Affairs and Faculty Development and most recently Associate Provost for Academic Affairs.
Throughout her different positions, Kneas has held the same values and qualities. “I think communication skills are just so important, again related to that relational piece. An understanding of one’s personal mission is really helpful,” she said.
So, what’s the personal mission that keeps Kneas going? “It’s to use my time and talents in a way that benefits others and empowers others to be the best versions of themselves,” she said. The time that Kneas has now is devoted to her duties as Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.
In this position, Kneas reports directly to Interim President Betty Rider, as well as being a member of the Senior Leadership Team, a liaison to the Academic Mission and Student Experience Committee of the Board of Trustees and working with the School Deans. She also oversees faculty appointments, tenures and promotions and advises the president on the managing of assets.
Although her appointment is recent, Kneas still has a clear vision of what’s ahead, and it involves those in the rear-view.
“You build on those who come before. So, what we want to build on is the momentum, the excitement and energy,” she said. “Speaking to the relational component, I think post-COVID it’s just so important that we really focus on restoring community building.”
Kneas is also a strong advocate for the core program. “One thing that has contributed significantly to any success that I have is having a strong core program. It was that breadth of knowledge, the communication skills, the problem-solving skills, the teamwork and the collaboration that really sent me on a path to success.”
Outside of her academics and administrative position, Dr. Kneas loves to read and be outdoors. She likes to camp, bike, hike and kayak at state parks. Her advice to current Etown students? “Connect with as many folks as possible. There is time to go to that lecture, there is time to hang out with friends and have a coffee, a little more time than maybe you thought there was.”
