- Cornerstone Instructor
- College Success Seminar Instructor
Kristen Stratton is a Pitt alumnus, having begun her studies at the Greensburg campus before completing her undergraduate degree in Oakland. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Administration of Justice and a certificate in Women’s Studies. Kristen later obtained her master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Carlow University, along with her School Counseling (K-12) certification.
Kristen brings a well-rounded perspective to student development and career readiness with almost 20 years of experience across nonprofit, county government, and educational settings in the Pittsburgh and Washington, DC metro areas. In 2014, her career journey led her back to the University of Pittsburgh, Greensburg campus, where she serves students through the Career Services office. She is certified to administer and interpret the Strong Interest Inventory and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), and holds a Career Development Specialist certification from the American School Counselor Association.
Kristen specializes in internship guidance and experiential learning, providing comprehensive support throughout the internship process. She partners with students, alumni, faculty, staff, and employers to develop, identify, and connect students with meaningful pre-professional opportunities while they complete their degrees. Her broader Career Services work includes career and major exploration, résumé and cover letter development, interview preparation, event planning, networking, and graduate school planning.
Throughout her tenure at UPG, Kristen has taught first-year seminar courses including Cornerstone and College Success, served on numerous hiring committees, is the club Co-Advisor for (51ÁÔÆæ chapter), and most recently joined the campus Relay For Life planning committee in 2026. She is deeply committed to student success and retention and currently serves on the TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) Advisory Board. Through the PennACE consortium, she has contributed as a member of the Grants Review & Student of the Year Committee (when her students are not applicants). Kristen played a key role in celebrating a significant University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg achievement by actively promoting the across the campus community and building strong rapport with students. Through her outreach and encouragement, she helped raise awareness of this prestigious recognition and motivated student participation. At the end of 2025, Kristen was notified that one of our students had earned this distinguished award, and was recognized for their outstanding internship experience as well as the strength of their application and supporting materials. In Spring 2026, the student was formally honored as the first-ever recipient from the Greensburg campus and only the second recipient across the University of Pittsburgh system since the award’s inception in 2004. Kristen is also a member of both the (NACE), and the (CEIA), to stay up to date on professional standards and ongoing trends, relevant information and statistics to best serve our students. She takes pride in the Career Services Offfice having achieved their third consecutive year as a
Kristen’s commitment to education extends beyond higher education and into her local school community — a passion strengthened by being the proud mother of four. She is an active volunteer within the Hempfield Area School District, serving on the Act 339 Plan Advisory Board, and holding leadership roles within one of the district’s middle schools as Secretary for the Partners In Education (PIE) organization, and is very active in one of the district’s elementary schools through serving as Co-Secretary of their PTO, and chairs both their Veterans Day Committee, and Teacher Appreciation Week Committee. She also participates in, and leads fundraising efforts such as the Spirit Wear Committee, along with annually volunteering as a homeroom parent across various grade levels. Her dedication reflects both her professional mission and her personal investment in creating supportive, thriving educational environments for all students.
