Associate Professor of Teaching
Director of English for Multilingual Students
South Hall 3505
Karyn E. Kessler is an Associate Teaching Professor of Linguistics and Director of the English for Multilingual Students Program at the University of California, Santa Barbara. She teaches undergraduate courses in the TESOL minor, graduate writing and communication courses for international students across disciplines, and research design seminars through the university’s Honors Program.
As a university and program leader, Dr. Kessler collaborates on the design and implementation of academic programs, overseeing curriculum, instruction, and assessment. She mentors faculty and leads initiatives that foster excellence in teaching, governance, and inclusive pedagogy. Her research focuses on writing, language, and expertise development across diverse learner populations, with emphasis on strategic priorities in higher education—linguistic diversity, academic integrity, liberal arts learning, and undergraduate research.