Assistant Director for Honors Experiential Learning

Dr. Kristy Spear is the Assistant Director for Honors Experiential Learning. She supports Honors students by creating and curating opportunities for purposeful engagement and active experimentation both in and out of the traditional classroom. Dr. Spear finds it rewarding to champion honors students as they seek and engage in uniquely meaningful experiences that foster intellectual and personal growth.

Dr. Spear is an alumna of the University of Florida, earning a Master's degree in Education Leadership, a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Educational Technology, and a graduate certificate in Digital Humanities. She also holds an interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science in Health and Communication. Her research interests include designing educational experiences that foster learning and engagement for high-achieving students. Formerly, she served as chair of the Advising High Achieving Students Community through the National Academic Advising Association.

Before joining Honors in 2014, Dr. Spear supported the career development of students and faculty with roles in human resources and career services. Her interest in career development may be a product of her own unique employment history, which includes ballroom dance instructor, Halloween Horror Nights Scareactor and pyrotechnician.

Awards:

• Champions for Change, 2025
• Professional Advisor of the Year for Undergraduate Affairs, 2018
• Outstanding New Advisor, 2017
• Outstanding First-Year Student Advocate Award, 2016