Kris Acheson-Clair
Frankfort,IN
Summary
Strategic learning and development leader with a strong foundation in high-impact training design, honed through extensive experience at Purdue University. Expert in leveraging emerging technologies and digital platforms to craft user-centered, data-informed learning solutions. Adept at cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder engagement across diverse teams and geographies. Proven ability to drive measurable outcomes through learning analytics. Skilled communicator and facilitator, known for aligning L&D strategy with operational excellence to deliver scalable, results-driven programs.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director, Center for Intercultural Learning
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN
01.2019 - Current
- Directed a team of 10 to 14 learning and development experts in professional development design and delivery.
- Executed strategic planning initiatives to enhance accountability for program effectiveness.
- Established branding strategies to promote professional development offerings.
- Managed personnel operations to ensure high performance and alignment with organizational goals.
Faculty
Purdue University
09.2018 - Current
- Designed and proposed new courses to enhance curriculum offerings.
- Mentored students to support academic and professional growth.
- Managed delivery of certificate programs, coursework, and professional development initiatives.
Associate Director, CILMAR
Purdue University
01.2017 - 12.2018
- Identified professional development needs through collaboration with stakeholders across all organizational levels.
- Conducted research in learning sciences to inform training strategies.
- Trained facilitators and mentors for effective implementation of large-scale tiered projects.
Intercultural Learning Specialist
Purdue University
01.2016 - 12.2017
Director, Undergraduate Studies
Georgia State University
08.2010 - 08.2016
US Fulbright Scholar
Zamorano University, Honduras
01.2015 - 09.2015
Education
Ph.D. - Intercultural Communication
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ05.2008
Master of Arts - Applied Linguistics
Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA05.2004
Bachelor of Arts - Spanish
Berry College
Rome, Georgia05.1996
Skills
- Team leadership
- Learning sciences and evidence-driven curriculum design
- Emerging technologies and immersive training techniques
- Large-scale program management
- Strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and change management
- Program evaluation and data analysis
- Mentor and leader development
Certification
- Executive Coach, International Coaching Federation, Level 1, pending
- 10+ assessment instruments, including Beliefs Events & Values Inventory, Intercultural Development Inventory, conflict styles, leadership styles
Personal Information
Title: PhD
Awards
- Leadership in Action Award, Susan Bulkeley Butler Center, Purdue University, 01/01/24
- Georgia State University Study Abroad Program Director of the Year, 01/01/13
- Georgia State University Instructor Effectiveness Award, 01/01/12
References
- Dr. Pamala Morris, Professor of Agricultural Sciences Education and Communication, Purdue University, pmorris@purdue.edu
- Dr. Moriah Bilenky, Assistant Professor of Sustainable Horticulture, Purdue University, mbilenky@purdue.edu
- Dr. Elizabeth Karcher, Professor of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, ekarcher@purdue.edu
Publications And Grants
27, 4, 24, $2M
Positions
- Director, Purdue University, Center for Intercultural Learning, Mentorship, Assessment, and Research, 01/01/19-present
- Courtesy Faculty Appointment, Purdue University, Brian Lamb School of Communication, 09/01/18-present
- Associate Director, Purdue University, CILMAR, 01/01/17-12/31/18
- Intercultural Learning Specialist, Purdue University, International Programs, 01/01/16-12/31/16
- Lecturer & Director of the Undergraduate Program, Georgia State University, Department of Applied Linguistics & ESL, 09/01/10-08/31/16, Atlanta, GA
- US Fulbright Scholar, Zamorano University (Escuela Panamericana Agrícola, Zamorano), 01/01/15-09/30/15, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
- Chair, Foreign Language Department, Pike County Schools, 01/01/09-12/31/11, Zebulon, GA
- Curriculum Developer & Community Program Trainer, Regional Educational Service Agency, 01/01/01-12/31/11, Grantville, GA
Accomplishments
- Over 50 learning science publications
- Leadership in Action award, 2025
- $2M+ in grants to develop, implement, and assess AI and VR professional development
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Spanish
Professional
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Director, Center for Intercultural Learning
Purdue University
01.2019 - Current
Faculty
Purdue University
09.2018 - Current
Associate Director, CILMAR
Purdue University
01.2017 - 12.2018
Intercultural Learning Specialist
Purdue University
01.2016 - 12.2017
US Fulbright Scholar
Zamorano University, Honduras
01.2015 - 09.2015
Director, Undergraduate Studies
Georgia State University
08.2010 - 08.2016
Ph.D. - Intercultural Communication
Arizona State University
Master of Arts - Applied Linguistics
Georgia State University
Bachelor of Arts - Spanish
Berry College
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