Kristi Bitz, PhD

Director of Psychology Program
Associate Professor

Liffrig Family School of Education and Behavioral Sciences

About Me

I have spent most of my life working in or attending educational settings. I consider myself a lifelong learner and try to never take for granted the gift of education I have received and been able to be a part of giving to others. In my free time I enjoy going for walks with my husband and our dog, spending time with my children and extended family, and reading.

Why I’m At Mary

I deeply appreciate being a part of a higher education institution whose mission and values are evident. The size of UMary, our wonderful students, and the emphasis on community make this place a great fit for me.

Expertise

I came to University of Mary having previously worked in counseling and student retention and the area of student retention was my focus in writing, research, and presenting. In addition to that, over the years I have developed a deep interest in social media and mental health as well as technology use in the classroom.

Bitz, K. (2020) "Being a Christian Counselor in a Secular Environment," Prime Matters. https://www.primematters.com/perspectives/being-christian-counselor-secular-environment

Bitz, K. (2010) "Measuring Advisor Relationship Perceptions among First-Year Students at a Small Midwestern University," Journal of the National Academic Advising Association. 30(2): 53-64.

Bitz, K. (2009) "Mayville State University's Seminar on Success Successfully Reaches First-Year Students," E-Source for College Transitions. 6(5).

Bitz, K., & Rohrich, D. (2021) "Gen Z/iGen: Trends, Technology, and Tribulation," North Dakota Counseling Association Annual Conference, Bismarck, ND.

Bitz, K. (2020) "iGen," [Panel Moderator; Guest Speaker/Author, Dr. Jean Twenge; Faculty Member, Marek Dojs; Students, Devan Rohrich and Maggie Vincent ]. University of Mary Corporate Faculty Meeting.

Bitz, K. (2019) "Emotional Temperance," University of Mary Residents of Roers Hall.

Bitz, K. (2019) "Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health Disorders," Teachers and Administration at Hazen Public School, Hazen, ND.

Bitz, K. (2019) "Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health Disorders," Anatomy and Physiology Students at Legacy High School, Bismarck, ND.

McConnachie, T., Hryniewicz, S., & Bitz, K. (2019) "Technology and the Brain," North Dakota Counseling Association Annual Conference, Bismarck, ND.

Education

BS Major: Psychology Minor: Chemical Use and Abuse Awareness University of North Dakota BSEd Major: Elementary Education Valley City State University
MA Counseling with an Emphasis in School Counseling and Community Agency Counseling University of North Dakota
PhD Major: Teaching and Learning with a Higher Education Emphasis