Kessler-Cleary honored for leadership, service

Timothy Kessler-Cleary, the director of Student Affairs at FSU Panama City, received the 2026 Outstanding Leadership Award from the FSU Division of Student Affairs as part of the annual DSA awards ceremony in April. He was one of two recipients, the other being Dr. Joi Philips, director of The FSU Center for Leadership and Service.

This was the inaugural year for the award, which honors a member of the Student Affairs Leadership Team who exemplifies visionary leadership and commitment to the division’s mission. The recipient demonstrates strategic thinking, fosters collaboration and inspires others through integrity, innovation and impactful decision-making that advances student success.

His journey in Student Affairs has been nothing short of unexpected, he said: “I began my career thinking I'd do it for a couple of years until I figured things out. Thirteen years later, I am still here and could not imagine doing anything else.”

Kessler-Cleary said he loves how each day is filled with new opportunities, new relationships and a few challenges along the way. What he’s found to be the most rewarding is having “the opportunity to work with, guide, support and advise students in navigating their college experience,” which gives him a sense of “purpose and affirmation found in few other fields.”