Dr. Stephanie Krusemark

Biography

Dr. Stephanie L. Krusemark is a seasoned higher education leader with over 20 years of experience in strategic enrollment management, student success, and advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion. She holds a Doctorate in Higher Education with a specialization in Diversity and Higher Learning from the University of Denver’s Morgridge College of Education and has dedicated her career to creating environments where all students can thrive.

Raised in Minnesota by a Baptist father and an Episcopal mother, Dr. Krusemark was first introduced to the Unitarian Universalist tradition as a young adult at Unity Church in St. Paul. That early experience sparked her enduring commitment to compassion, justice, and inclusive community—values that continue to shape her leadership today.

Dr. Krusemark has held leadership roles at spiritually and religiously affiliated institutions including Iliff School of Theology, Naropa University, Santa Clara
University, Trinity Washington University, and University of Portland. In each of these settings, she has championed transformative initiatives grounded in social justice and inclusive excellence, advancing enrollment strategies that promote access, belonging, and student success.

As Vice President of Enrollment Management at Iliff School of Theology, she led institution-wide efforts to increase enrollment and student diversity, while playing a key role in a successful scholarship fundraising campaign. She also served as chair of the enrollment group for the 13 United Methodist seminaries through the Association of United Methodist Theological Schools.

A published scholar, Dr. Krusemark’s research focuses on mentorship, access, and equity in higher education. Her work has appeared in the Journal of Research on Women and Gender and Liberal Education (AAC&U). She is an active contributor to national conversations on enrollment strategy and student success through her service on the American Association of College Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) Editorial Board and the National Association of Graduate Admissions Professionals (NAGAP) Experts Bureau.

Now, as the next President of Starr King School for the Ministry, Dr. Krusemark brings her deep commitment to spiritual leadership and institutional growth. She is honored to build upon the legacy of those who came before her and is dedicated to guiding Starr King into its next chapter—grounded in love, equity, and bold vision.

Dr. Krusemark finds rejuvenation through nature walks, reading, painting, meditation, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends.