Dr. Kimberly Rouse takes on new role as associate dean of students

Dr. Kimberly Rouse recently stepped into a new role as the associate dean of students in OHIO’s Division of Student Affairs. A three-time Ohio University graduate, Rouse had been serving in the interim role since November 2023 and previously held the interim assistant dean position from February 2022 to April 2023.

Rouse brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having served as the director of the Ohio University Survivor Advocacy Program (SAP) since 2016. During her tenure, she rebuilt SAP into the programming it is today- a robust survivor-centered support system for student survivors of sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating/domestic violence and stalking.

Rouse joined the University in 2016 from her previous role at Appalachian Behavioral Healthcare. At the time of her hire, she was tasked with rebuilding and restructuring the program which had been closed for over eight months. The structure and support of the program seen now is thanks to Rouse, and her work has been instrumental in providing clinical and administrative leadership and educating the University community.

“I’m thrilled to see Kim move into this role,” said Dean of Students Kathy Fahl. “She is an excellent administrator, clinician and colleague and will help the Office of the Dean of Students better serve students in her new position.”

Rouse attributes much of her success and smooth transition to support from Fahl, who recognized her broader skillset beyond her previous role with SAP.

“We put people in silos a lot, but as a social worker that isn’t my way of thinking,” said Rouse. At the time that Rouse was serving in the interim roles and considering applying for the permanent position, she was in the middle of another major transition- becoming a new mother. Fahl’s support both personally and professionally was what encouraged Rouse to take the leap.

“I’m excited to help build stability in our office as we’ve experienced a lot of interim leadership and to work toward updating our processes and approaches in a way that best serves our students,” said Rouse. “I was ready for a new challenge, and I always had my eye on this role because it was a perfect mix of my education and experience from my career before coming to OHIO.” Rouse has admired the work of the Dean of Students office for quite some time. While working at Appalachian Behavioral Healthcare, Rouse had the opportunity to work with staff from the Dean of Students office when OHIO students were admitted there for psychiatric hospitalization, and that is when she really came to appreciate the work of the office.

Rouse will continue to oversee SAP until a new director is hired. In her new role, she oversees the University’s CARE team and basic needs initiatives and supports the mission of the Dean of Students office. Rouse looks forward to connecting with new colleagues and stakeholders in this role.