A few minutes with Elizabeth Kiss

Best book you've read in the past year?

I recently finished Barbara Kingsolver’s Demon Copperhead, a re-imagining of Dickens’ David Copperfield set in present-day rural Virginia, the story of a young man who survives in the face of the devastations of opioid addiction, foster care, grief and injury. It’s a great book, hilarious, heartbreaking, and like Dickens’ novel, a powerful exposé of the indignities of poverty.

Coffee or tea?

Definitely coffee! Jeff (her husband) says it’s very dangerous to get between me and my coffee first thing in the morning.

Ocean or mountains?

I love both but if I have to choose, it’s mountains. It’s why Jeff and I have made our home in southwestern Colorado, where the house we built overlooks two mountain ranges. I love hiking in the high country, and I hope to hike some of the 46-ers (high peaks) in the Adirondacks!

Three people you'd most like to invite to dinner (dead or alive)?

Eleanor Roosevelt, Nelson Mandela and (18th century French philosopher) Madame de Staël. I would be keen to hear their reflections on maintaining hope and courage in tough times. And it would be fun to watch them get to know each other!

Go-to activity to relax away from work?

My husband, Jeff, and I love evening walks and day trips to beautiful and historic places.

What about higher ed gets you up in the morning excited to go to work?

There’s just nothing more inspiring than being part of an institution that changes lives, nurtures the pursuit of truth and invests in the development of future leaders and citizens. And I love the sense of community on campus -- the energy and passion of students, the deep sense of calling of faculty and staff, the devotion and lifelong commitment of alumni and friends.

Your best memory as a college president?

I have so many great memories! Celebrating commencement with graduates and their families is magical, every time. Working with faculty and staff to get big, bold things done is a wonderful experience. One beautiful, quirky memory: walking across campus and having a student yell from the other side of the quad, glowing with joy: “President Kiss! I’ve figured out my vocation!”

Most memorable vacation spot?

If I had to pick one trip, it would be the belated honeymoon Jeff and I took four years after our wedding. We bought a used Subaru 4WD station wagon and camping equipment and drove 11,000 miles around Australia. From mountains and coastlines to the remote outback to the Great Barrier Reef, it was unforgettable. And in spite of numerous mishaps and car breakdowns, we stayed married!

Favorite musical genre/favorite band or musician?

I love all kinds of classical music, and also am a big fan of U2 and Pink.

Best piece of advice you have ever received?

I was once earnestly telling a friend and mentor the many reasons I was unqualified for a job that I would love to have someday, and he said, “Don’t be an idiot. Apply!” So, I did, and got the job. I have recycled that advice many times in my own conversations with young people.

We like to talk about how we're a "union" of all the things that our students could want and need. In that spirit, is there a union of interests that make you, you?

I love this! I’m a philosopher who relishes adventure -- whitewater rafting, swimming with whale sharks, bungee jumping.

What are you most looking forward to doing/seeing in your first week at Union?

Meeting people! I so look forward to immersing myself in getting to know the community and learning from everyone. And I can’t wait to visit Jackson’s Garden in the summer – it even looked incredible under the snow.