Our People
Dr. Caroline Kobia
Associate Professor
Dr. Caroline Kobia is the perfect example of the School of Human Sciences' global reach and its commitment to education, research, and service to its vast number of stakeholders across Mississippi, the nation, and beyond.
Dr. Kobia, a native of Kenya, finds her professional home within the School of Human Sciences, one that allows her to reach her calling to educate, empower, and serve. For Dr. Kobia, being a part of this community of scholars with great students, colleagues, and wonderful leadership, makes the School of Human Sciences special. She adds, "It's a place where my passion for teaching, mentoring, research, and service flourishes. Starkville is likewise a special place. It's a community that fosters warmth and bridges between cultures and disciplines. I'm thankful every day to belong to a place where I can grow, give back, and walk in alignment with my values of faith, service, and empowerment."
Dr. Kobia, who holds a Ph.D in Textiles, Apparel Design, and Merchandising with a specialization in Fashion Merchandising from Louisiana State University, credits her rigorous academic training complemented with a series of transformational leadership programs for profoundly shaping her work and career as a mentor and as a servant-leader. Kobia adds "My faith, family, and cultural roots are at the core of who I am. I love teaching, mentoring, and uplifting others. I feel deeply rewarded when I see my students blossom and walk confidently in their calling, just as I do in mine. It gives me great joy when I receive a text, call, email, or social media post from my students about their academic achievements. If I can inspire students to find their passions and impact them in some way, then I know I've done my job."
Regarding research and professional interests, Dr. Kobia's work is guided by the impact education has on transforming lives and communities. Focusing on community engagement, consumer behavior, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and experiential learning, Dr. Kobia explores how fashion can serve as a platform for economic development, cultural preservation, and a catalyst for change. Added Kobia, "Whether guiding fashion entrepreneurs in Mississippi, building partnerships in Kenya, or integrating technology into retail classrooms, I am passionate about community engagement and experiential learning, providing students with firsthand experiences and immersive opportunities that are central to learning through lived experience; education must be lived, not just learned."
Dr. Kobia's professional accolades and evidence of continued service are well documented and include recognition as a Community-Engaged Fellow at MSU, Graduate of the MSU Faculty Leadership Program, and member of the MSU Community Engagement Council. She has also been recognized within her field and within MSU with the Best Conference Paper within the American Collegiate Retailing Association and with the HERS (Higher Education Resource Services) - East Africa Community Engagement Team award. Additionally, Dr. Kobia was recognized with the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences' Excellence in Advising Award in 2024.
