Her Story
About Dr. Kristi
Kristi Young, Ed.D. is an accomplished higher education leader, educator, and researcher with more than 23 years of experience spanning K–12 leadership and higher education administration. Her career began as a high school teacher before progressing through roles as assistant principal, high school principal, assistant professor, assistant dean, and dean. She currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Education at LSU Shreveport, where she prepares graduate students and aspiring school leaders in Educational Leadership and Curriculum & Instruction. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a commitment to advancing student achievement, strengthening educator preparation, and fostering institutional excellence through strategic, data-informed leadership. Dr. Young's expertise encompasses transformational education, curriculum and instruction, leadership development, accreditation, faculty development, and educational program assessment. She has supported CAEP-aligned accreditation initiatives, implemented evidence-based interventions to improve teacher licensure readiness, and supported graduate and doctoral programs through curriculum design, academic advising, and service on dissertation committees. Her research and professional interests focus on transformational leadership, educational equity, and the use of technology and artificial intelligence to address educational inequalities. She also contributes to scholarship through grant-funded initiatives, conference presentations, and collaborative research that promotes continuous improvement in education. Beyond her academic responsibilities, Dr. Young remains actively engaged in professional and community organizations, including the American Educational Research Association (AERA), Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Educators for Excellence, the Research Association of Minority Professionals (RAMP), and the American Society of Administrative Professionals. She also serves on the board of the Shreveport Regional Arts Council, helping connect arts education with K–12 schools. Guided by empathy, high expectations, and a steadfast commitment to equity, Dr. Young continues to champion inclusive learning environments and develop the next generation of educational leaders dedicated to improving outcomes for all students.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Dr. Kristi
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to hard work, perseverance, and a willingness to grow through every stage of my career. Starting as a high school teacher, I gained valuable experience that enabled me to advance through each level of education. Every role has strengthened my skills, broadened my perspective, and prepared me for the next step in my professional journey.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to always be prepared before opportunities arise. You can’t wait until an opportunity presents itself to start getting ready—you need to invest in your education, training, and personal growth so you’re prepared when the time comes. Equally important is leading with empathy. I believe people need to know that you genuinely care about them before anything else, and that trust and compassion are the foundation of effective leadership.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to embrace every opportunity to learn. Gain knowledge not only through your education but also from your experiences, mentors, colleagues, and the people around you. Set high expectations for yourself, be confident in your abilities, and don’t be afraid to be bold. In fields where leadership is often male-dominated, it’s important to speak up, own your expertise, and pursue your goals unapologetically.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in education is limited funding and ensuring equitable access to quality learning, especially in underserved communities. I also see a great opportunity to strengthen the connection between K–12 and higher education to better support student success.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me are faith, kindness, equity, perseverance, and leading by example. My faith in God is the foundation of how I approach both my personal and professional life, guiding me to lead with compassion, humility, integrity, and purpose. In my work, I am passionate about expanding access and opportunities for marginalized and underserved students while pairing high expectations with meaningful support and recognizing growth along the way. Motherhood has also shaped who I am. Raising my 19-year-old twin sons and now watching them pursue their academic and career goals in college has strengthened my patience, resilience, and commitment to advocating for others. Whether I am supporting my family, students, or colleagues, I try to encourage people, serve with sincerity, and leave them feeling seen and supported.
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