Kim L. Siegenthaler, a dedicated advocate for institutional transformation and student success, serves as the Senior Advisor to the President and Interim VP for Academic Strategy at the University of Hawaiʻi System. In this role, Siegenthaler drives strategic initiatives across the UH System, including implementation of a system-wide “standard of care” and a holistic approach to artificial intelligence (AI) adoption. She is passionate about providing equitable access and comprehensive, wrap-around support to ensure students thrive academically and are prepared for an AI-augmented workforce.
Siegenthaler joined UH from the City University of New York (CUNY), where she was the Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Innovation. At CUNY, she led strategic initiatives for transformative pedagogy, online learning, and academic technology, including managing a major systemwide LMS transition. She also spearheaded the Career and Credential Pathways initiative for stackable credentials and launched CUNY’s AI initiative to accelerate adoption across workforce readiness, equity and operational efficiency.
Prior to CUNY, Siegenthaler was the inaugural Associate Provost for Online Strategies at Georgia State University, where she was responsible for developing and implementing a university-wide strategy for delivering high-quality online programs to traditional and adult learners. In 2021, she led the launch of Georgia State Online, introducing more than 80 online and hybrid program options from the associate to the doctoral level. Her administrative oversight and coordination of digital education had a major impact on both the university's online offerings and the support infrastructure required for enrollment growth and faculty training.
Previously, Siegenthaler served as the director of Mizzou Online at the University of Missouri, where she led the institution toward a strategic vision for distance education. During her tenure, the university experienced a significant increase in online student enrollment and program options, bolstered by the development of the robust infrastructure required for effective student support. Throughout her career, she has brought diverse expertise to her leadership roles, having served as both a faculty member and an administrator across a variety of institutions, teaching in both online and traditional classroom environments.
A recognized national leader in online education, Siegenthaler served on the Executive Committee of UPCEA’s Board of Directors for six years, holding consecutive leadership roles as president-elect, president, and immediate past president. She also served as a member of the National Council for Online Education.
Siegenthaler holds a PhD from the University of New Mexico, a master of science from the University of Oklahoma, a master of divinity from the Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond, and a bachelor of science from Baylor University.