Kyra Lobbins

About Kyra Lobbins

Leadership is not about a title or a designation. It\'s about impact, influence and inspiration.\"-Robin Sharma From a very early age, I recognized even though I was not the one in authority, I still managed to have influence. Leadership is a journey, and as a life-long learner, I have made it my life\'s work to lead where I am at. I strongly believe in the power of compound interest, and if I can positively change the life of ten people where I currently am, and those ten people go on to impact ten more people, the ability to directly and indirectly change people’s lives for the better is infinite. As a former college athlete, accomplished leader, and higher education scholar, I have had the honor of working with people from all over the world at various points in their lives and careers. During the past 15+ years I have passionately worked in the space of leadership through my involvement in others’ leadership development and executive leadership. Being relationship-centered, I have helped athletic and non-athletic teams build winning cultures. I have created inaugural leadership development programs that have elevated thousands of students, faculty, staff and other professionals to reach their dream jobs and life goals. As a byproduct, organizations experienced better retention and job satisfaction, which also contributed positively to the organization\'s bottom line. I have worked with presidents and executive teams to create strategic plans and execute on university priorities. My doctoral research was centered on equity factors experienced in executive leadership and I use this platform to speak nationally at conferences and at various organizations to provide support for diversity, equity and inclusion related matters. Most recently, I have become a professional leadership coach. My love for human development is not rooted in a single industry, but rather in the belief that leadership, growth, and impact are universal skills needed no matter your profession or industry. If you are a leader looking to expand your network with more leaders, let’s connect!

Experience

1. Chief of Staff

   Common App

   Oct 2025 — Present

   The Chief of Staff to the CEO provides complex confidential support and strategic guidance to the Chief Executive Officer and oversees the executive office and its budget.

Education

• The University of Akron

  Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)

  2012 — 2015

• Tulane University

  BA, Communication

  2005 — 2008

• Clemson University

  PhD , Educational Leadership and Administration, General

  2018 — 2023

• Northern Illinois University

  MS, Sport Management

  2009 — 2011