Dr. Gladys Osoro

Certainly! Here's a first-person biography in approximately 300 words.

I am Dr. Gladys Nyaboke Osoro, a Counselling Psychologist and Higher Education Administrator with over 30 years of experience in education, student affairs, counselling, mentorship, and institutional leadership. I currently serve as the Dean of Students at Kisii University, where I have led initiatives aimed at enhancing student welfare, mental health, leadership development, governance, and holistic student success since 2009.

I hold a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Educational Counselling and Psychology from Kisii University, a Master of Education in Guidance and Counselling from Egerton University, and a Bachelor of Education (Arts) from Kenyatta University. I am also an International Certified Addiction Professional II (ICAP II) and an active member of several professional bodies, including the Kenya Guidance, Counselling and Psychological Association, the Kenya Universities Professional Counsellors Association (KUPCA), and the Kenya Universities Deans of Students Association (KUDSA), where I serve as Treasurer.

My work is driven by a commitment to creating supportive, inclusive, and safe learning environments that enable students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Throughout my career, I have spearheaded programmes on student orientation, mental health awareness, substance abuse prevention, gender-based violence prevention, peer counselling, mentorship, and student leadership development. I have also contributed to university governance through service on numerous committees responsible for policy development, quality assurance, strategic planning, budgeting, integrity, and student welfare.

My research interests focus on educational counselling, student adjustment to university life, youth well-being, and mental health. I have published scholarly work on first-year student adjustment in Kenyan public universities and continue to participate in professional conferences, research, and community outreach. I remain passionate about mentoring young people, advancing counselling practice, and strengthening higher education systems that promote student success, resilience, and lifelong learning.