How a Student Success Coach and LSU Graduate Balanced Life, Work, & School

From being your bridge to the university to providing resources or advocating for your success, LSU Online & Continuing Education's Student Success Coaches are among the most impactful resources you can use in your educational journey.

Kali Kitsinis is a Student Success Coach who supports students throughout their online academic journey. Her advice and insight as a Coach aren't just theoretical— she's also a graduate of the online LSU Master of Science in Higher Education Administration. Because of this, Kali has a unique perspective on balancing academic challenges with professional and personal commitments.

Learn more about Kali's journey and how LSU Online supports your academic career!

Meet Kali Kitsinis 

1. What was it like attending classes through LSU Online while working? 

Working and attending online classes at LSU was extremely manageable. Thanks to the flexibility of the online courses, I was able to complete my coursework around my personal schedule, for which I am very grateful.

2. Drawing from your experience as a Student Success Coach and an online student at LSU, what advice would you give online students? 

My advice for online students, as a Student Success Coach and an LSU student, is to stay organized! Identify the days or times each week when you can set aside time for schoolwork, as this will help you stay on top of your assignments and, in many cases, get ahead. Also, once you complete one module, it will become significantly easier! I took a two-year break between my undergraduate and graduate studies, which made me quite nervous, but I felt much more confident entering my second module. 

3. Why should other students choose LSU Online & Continuing Education? 

Students should choose LSU Online due to the flexibility and support available here. I was able to balance two jobs and graduate school with minimal stress, thanks to the support I received from my academic advisor, student success coach, and instructors. Overall, I had a great experience and highly recommend it.

4. How do you approach being a Student Success Coach for online students?  

As a Student Success Coach, my ultimate goal was to always be there for students, reminding them that they have someone on campus to support them, provide motivation when needed, and assist with any questions or issues that may arise. It is a wonderful feeling to meet students during our first phone call and continue to support them until they graduate! 

5. Can you tell us about any exceptional faculty interactions you've had during your journey? 

I have had many positive interactions with faculty during my time as a student. From the beginning of my journey, my academic advisor, Dr. Manthei, was very supportive and genuinely cared about my academic and career goals. Jason Shaw, the Director of Academic Affairs in Athletics, was also instrumental in my development; he allowed me to shadow him for one of my courses, providing me with valuable insights into working in athletics, which is my ultimate career goal. Dr. Clayton, one of my instructors for several courses, was extremely supportive and provided exceptional feedback. Even as an online student, she found a way to connect with her students, and I learned a lot from her courses. 

6. What's your favorite part about being a Student Success Coach? 

My favorite part of being a Student Success Coach is knowing that I can support students throughout their academic journeys. Being a student is challenging, especially when balancing work and life, so being able to alleviate some stress by answering questions or providing motivation is a wonderful feeling. 

7. How do you anticipate your degree will help your career? 

I believe that obtaining my degree in Higher Education Administration will enable me to advance in the field of higher education. It has already proven to be beneficial, as I accepted a position as an Academic Advisor just one week after completing the program. My ultimate goal is to become an Academic Advisor for athletes, and having my Master's degree will open more opportunities for me. 

Advance Your Career with LSU Online & Continuing Education 

The online Master of Science in Higher Education Administration from LSU provides students with the leadership skills and tools to build their careers in higher education. This program combines flexibility and robust support to help working professionals like Kali Kitsinis balance their lives and jobs with their studies.

Through LSU Online & Continuing Education, students can access career-focused programs that fit any schedule. With over 150 fully online degrees and certificates available across the LSU family, there's a program for everyone. Whether you aim to get a promotion or transition into a new field, LSU Online offers the flexibility and support to help you achieve your goals. 

Ready to take the next step? Explore all programs and apply today!