Meet the Staff

Administrative Support

Executive Administrative Specialist to Dean Ruth Bahr

Karissa Valine-Plaza (Tampa campus)
Email | Phone: (813) 974-7359

Karissa Valine-Plaza is the Executive Administrative Specialist to Dr. Ruth Huntley Bahr, Dean of Graduate Studies. She holds a B.A. in Communication from Humboldt State University. Originally from California, Karissa joined the Office of Graduate Studies in 2021 after working in higher education in Washington State. She supports the Dean in the coordination of fellowship processes, faculty and alumni awards, research competitions, and travel. Karissa manages the Dean's calendar, prepares presentations and reports, compiles the commencement program, ensures International Teaching Assistant (ITA) compliance, and executes Graduate Studies initiatives. In her free time, Karissa enjoys travel, gardening, and outdoor recreation.