Dr. Kristen Elmore Named Director of PRYDE

Written by Dr. Anthony Burrow

I am proud to announce that on July 1, Dr. Kristen Elmore will assume the role of director for the Program for Research on Youth Development (PRYDE). This leadership transition marks an exciting new chapter for this program, built on a strong foundation in research translation, student development, and partnership innovation.

Kristen has served as PRYDE's assistant director since 2018. She has been instrumental in administering and enhancing the PRYDE Scholars program through exceptional teaching and transformative leadership. Her notable achievements include developing the Youth Investigators project, which introduces young people to youth participatory action research methodology, and integrating PRYDE's annualYouth Development Research Update into the Cornell Human Ecology Inservice for extension educators. Kristen's strong collaborative relationships with key partners in the New York State 4-H program and other community organizations throughout the state demonstrate her deep and creative understanding of our mission and position her perfectly to lead PRYDE into its next phase of growth and impact.

Kristen aims to extend PRYDE’s success in training new generations of community-engaged researchers and share that approach as a potential blueprint for others to explore student programs as connections between researchers and community, something so critical in the current moment.

As I step down as PRYDE Director, my excitement for Kristen's leadership is matched by a sense of profound gratitude for the chance to have been part of this incredible program. What began as an early career leap of faith nearly a decade ago - founding an academic program rooted in community partnership - has transformed into an essential part of a career I always aspired to build. As a former 4-H'er myself, creating a bridge between rigorous academic inquiry and youth development work that shapes lives across our state, PRYDE has not just been a program I've directed; it has been work that endears me to this College and its extraordinary community of students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

I look forward to observing and supporting what PRYDE will accomplish under Kristen's visionary leadership. Please join me in celebrating both her well-deserved appointment and the transformative future that awaits the PRYDE program.