Kerri Kearney

Kerri Kearney is a Professor at Oklahoma State University's College of Education and Human Sciences, specializing in Educational Foundations, Leadership & Aviation. She holds the Christine Cashel Professorship and serves as Associate School Head for her department. Her work bridges hidden student populations in higher education, organizational behavior, and qualitative research methodologies, with a focus on students from foster care backgrounds and trauma-informed support systems.

• Doctor of Education in Educational Administration/Leadership (Oklahoma State University, 2001)
• Master of Business Administration (Oklahoma State University, 1990)
• Bachelor of Business Education (Oklahoma State University, 1988)

Her research explores higher education equity for foster alumni through qualitative case studies, organizational theory applications, and wellness frameworks for student affairs professionals. She founded the R is for Thursday Network of Oklahoma, integrating child welfare and higher education systems.

Key article trends include trauma-informed college completion strategies, boundary management in student-family relationships, and interdisciplinary approaches to supporting vulnerable populations. Her scientific awards span teaching excellence and leadership recognitions, with peer-review roles at journals like the Review of Higher Education and Urban Education.

• Spencer Foundation Grant (2019-2022): National research conference for foster alumni
• Oklahoma Foundation of Excellence nominee (2019)

She leads doctoral dissertation seminars, teaches organizational theory, and mentors through directed readings and internship programs at OSU. Her RisforThursday Network (2012-present) and leadership in Fostering Academic Achievement Nationwide (2018-present) exemplify her commitment to systemic change.