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Education

1998 University of South Florida, B.A.
1999 University of South Florida, M.A.
2005 University of South Florida, Ph.D.

View CV (PDF)

Courses Taught

Victimology
Juvenile Delinquency
Introduction to Criminal Justice

Career Specialties

Kathryn Branch’s research began with a focus on violence against women and sexual violence within college populations. Her work evolved to examine the impact of trauma and disclosure on those in support roles, including friends, faculty, and other social support providers, as wellas the broader effects of crime victimization on faculty. More recently, her scholarship has focused on faculty experiences navigating student mental health challenges, mandatory reporting responsibilities, and the emotional demands of supporting students in distress. Her research is unified by a commitment to supporting those in helpingÌýroles and understanding the ripple effects of victimization. Her work has been published in Journal of American College Health, Journal of Criminal Justice Education, Feminist Criminology, Violence and Victims, and Violence Against Women

Professional and Community Activities

Kathryn Branch is a 2022 alumna of the HERS Leadership Institute (Boston) and a member of the Leadership Pinellas Class of 2025. Her leadership development workfocuses on higher education administration, community engagement, and cross-sector collaboration. Shei s also aGallup-Certified Strengths Coach, applying strengths-based coaching to support leadership development and professional growth among faculty, staff, and students. At ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°å, Branch serves as President of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society chapter, supporting academic excellence, student recognition, and faculty engagement across disciplines. She is also the founder and faculty advisor for ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°åampa Students Who Are Parents,a campus initiative focused on mentorship, community-building, and resource access for student parents. Nationally, she is a member of the American Society of Criminology, the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences,and the American Conference of Academic Deans. Branch is actively engaged in community-based initiatives across the Tampa Bay region. She serves on the Impact Team for Girls on the Run Greater Tampa Bay, contributingto organizational growth, strategic outreach, and programs upport. She also leads community-based wellness programming through Yoga Nidra facilitation with TeamRed, White & Blue, supporting veteran resilience, recovery, and connection

Honors and Awards

2025 Joyce Keller Faculty/Staff Volunteer of the Year
2025Leonidas Award, CSSME
2023 J. Richard Piper Outstanding Service Award
2020 Distinguished Alumni Award, Wall of Fame: University of South Florida Department of Criminology
2014 Joyce Keller Faculty/Staff Volunteer of the Year
2012 Outstanding Criminology Ambassador, University of South Florida Department of Criminology
2012 Outstanding Student Involvement, CSSME