Kelley Ann Kritz brings energy, empathy and a student-first philosophy to her work in higher education. As an academic advisor for the Advancing Completion through Engagement (ACE) program at SUNY New Paltz, The State University of New York, she plays a central role in guiding students from their first days on campus to the moment they graduate. Her responsibilities include meeting regularly with students, helping them navigate academic requirements, and connecting them with instructors and campus resources. Known for her accessibility and encouragement, she is a consistent presence in the lives of the students she supports, often as an advocate and mentor.
Ms. Kritz earned a Master of Education in college student services administration from The College of Saint Rose and holds a Bachelor of Science in child and family studies with a minor in dance from SUNY Oneonta, The State University of New York. Her academic background has been instrumental in developing her student-centered approach to advising. She brings analytical skill and a profound understanding of human development to her work, helping students from diverse backgrounds feel seen, heard, and supported.
Before joining SUNY New Paltz, Ms. Kritz was a senior student services administrator at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. In this role, she advised graduate students, guided them through the admissions process and supported major academic milestones such as qualifying exams. She also managed payment coordination and grant administration, providing students with a comprehensive network of support. This position refined her skills in academic and financial advising, reinforcing her ability to offer holistic guidance.
Earlier in her career, Ms. Kritz worked as an academic advisor at New York University’s Tandon School of Engineering. There, she supported undergraduate students pursuing degrees in computer science, a field known for its rigor. Her work focused on helping students succeed academically while maintaining confidence and motivation. She gained valuable insight into the academic pressures students face, especially in technical disciplines, and became adept at helping them balance coursework, career planning, and well-being.
Ms. Kritz’s path into academic advising was built on early experiences that deepened her understanding of student needs. At Long Island University, she advised pharmacy students, ensuring they stayed on track through a highly structured and demanding curriculum. Before that, she held roles supporting family engagement and student wellness at The College of Saint Rose and the Greater Glenville YMCA. These positions laid the groundwork for her holistic approach, where academic success is supported by attention to emotional health, life skills and community involvement.
Ms. Kritz is also active outside of her university responsibilities. She volunteers with food banks and local theaters and remains committed to civic and cultural engagement. A longtime member of NACADA and NASPA, she continues to expand her knowledge and stay informed about trends in academic advising and student affairs.
Dance remains an important part of Ms. Kritz’s life, a passion she has nurtured since childhood. She finds joy and relaxation in movement, as well as in reading and watching television in her free time. Born in Niskayuna and raised in Glendale, New York, she maintains strong ties to her roots while staying focused on helping students achieve success. With each advising session and student interaction, she moves closer to her personal mission: to support as many students as possible on their path to graduation and beyond.