khristian kemp-delisser
The Division of Enrollment and the Student Experience announces the appointment of khristian kemp-delisser ’01 as the new director of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Resource Center. kemp-delisser begins their appointment on April 2.
“We’re pleased to welcome khristian back to Syracuse University. As an alum, khristian brings a great passion for Syracuse and supporting students as they shape their own Syracuse experience. In addition to their familiarity with our campus, their experience as an educator and student life professional supporting LGBTQQIA students and fostering inclusive campus climates will greatly enhance the student experience,” says Dolan Evanovich, senior vice president for enrollment and the student experience.
Currently the assistant dean and director of LGBTQ initiatives at Colgate University, kemp-delisser played an instrumental role in developing the Gender Pronoun Service, increasing gender-inclusive restrooms, supporting peer-to-peer sexual assault prevention education initiatives, and strengthening programs for the LGBTQ and ally communities at Colgate. Prior to joining Colgate, kemp-delisser held roles in the African/Latino/Asian/Native American (ALANA) Student Center at the University of Vermont and in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Center at the University of Illinois – Urbana Champaign.
Once beginning in their role at Syracuse, kemp-delisser’s top priorities are providing advice, counsel, referrals, educational resources and support to LGBTQQIA students and the greater campus community, starting the search for the vacant associate director position in the LGBT Resource Center, and working with colleagues across campus on initiatives in support of the preferred name policy.
“It is all coming full circle as this was the community that launched me, and now, is welcoming me back to lead the LGBT Resource Center. In my time returning to campus and meeting with the passionate students, faculty and staff involved with the center, I was energized and excited to return to my alma mater to begin working with the University community to support, educate and celebrate LGBTQQIA identities and students with marginalized genders and sexualities,” says kemp-delisser.
kemp-delisser earned a doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies and a master’s in higher education and student affairs administration from the University of Vermont. They earned a bachelor’s degree in newspaper journalism and English and textual studies from Syracuse University. An active student leader, kemp-delisser served as president of Pride Union and earned awards for their leadership and involvement, including the La Fuerza Community Enhancement Award, the Michael O. Sawyer Award for Most Outstanding Student Leader and the Excellence in Diversity Programming Award.
About Syracuse University
Founded in 1870, Syracuse University is a private international research university dedicated to advancing knowledge and fostering student success through teaching excellence, rigorous scholarship and interdisciplinary research. Comprising 11 academic schools and colleges, the University has a long legacy of excellence in the liberal arts, sciences and professional disciplines that prepares students for the complex challenges and emerging opportunities of a rapidly changing world. Students enjoy the resources of a 270-acre main campus and extended campus venues in major national metropolitan hubs and across three continents. Syracuse’s student body is among the most diverse for an institution of its kind across multiple dimensions, and students typically represent all 50 states and more than 100 countries. Syracuse also has a long legacy of supporting veterans and is home to the nationally recognized Institute for Veterans and Military Families, the first university-based institute in the U.S. focused on addressing the unique needs of veterans and their families.
