Kim Lewis was named Samford University's inaugural Director of Academic Advising in 2026. In this role, she leads the university's efforts to strengthen academic advising across all colleges and schools by building a cohesive advising framework within a decentralized advising model. Working collaboratively with academic leaders, advisors, and student support professionals, she develops advising initiatives, assessment strategies, professional development opportunities, and communication structures designed to advance student success and support institutional goals.
Kim brings more than 25 years of experience in higher education spanning academic advising, student success, academic operations, teaching, and international education. Prior to joining Samford, she served Birmingham-Southern College for 24 years in a variety of leadership and faculty roles. During her tenure at Birmingham-Southern, she served as Director of Advising, Success, Retention, and Engagement, providing strategic leadership for advising, onboarding, transfer student services, retention initiatives, and student success programs. Under her leadership, the college implemented innovative advising and engagement practices that improved student retention, expanded transfer student enrollment, and strengthened advisor effectiveness across campus.
She holds both a BA in Spanish and an MA in Hispanic Studies from Auburn University. Earlier in her career, she directed the Mexican Studies Program at The University of Southern Mississippi, coordinated academic programs for international students with EF Education First, and taught Spanish language and culture courses for more than two decades. At Birmingham-Southern College, she received the Omicron Delta Kappa Excellence in Teaching Award in 2019 and was recognized with the President's Service Award and Mortar Board 100 List for Leadership and Service.
Throughout a career dedicated to higher education, Kim has been guided by a commitment to helping students navigate their academic journeys, fostering meaningful collaboration across campus, and creating systems that support student achievement and belonging.
