Kimberly Zahn enrolled at Virginia Peninsula Community College in 1989, undecided about a career path. However, she was sure about one thing: getting a college education.
Zahn simply needed to discover where her interests would lead.
Now, more than 30 years later, she serves as interim associate dean of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) division at VPCC. Going from student to educator and leader, Zahn is living proof that exploring interests and embracing opportunities pays off. Her experiences also led to finding a passion along the way.
“I didn’t figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up until I was 35 years old,” Zahn said, joking.
She chose VPCC after graduating from Williamsburg’s Bruton High School at age 17. Affordability and proximity to home were the deciding factors.
“I didn’t really even consider any other option,” said Zahn, noting she was a first-generation college student.
She originally planned to study early childhood education, but one semester changed her mind. She realized it wasn’t a good fit after taking a course called Creative Activities for Children. Zahn recalled although she wasn’t sure what to pursue next, she switched to liberal arts.
After changing her major, Zahn was still figuring things out when one class turned the tide. She said a general biology instructor named Richard Hall reignited her interest in science.
He also left her with a memorable lesson she still shares with her students.
“Life is wet,” she said, recalling Hall’s favorite expression.
Zahn explained the phrase captures water’s essential role in biological systems, from the molecules that sustain life to the human body.
“Life can’t exist without water. Our bodies are about 70 to 80% water,” she said.
Changing majors was the right move. She graduated in 1992 with an associate degree in liberal arts.
With a two-year degree in hand and renewed love of science, Zahn transferred to Christopher Newport University. She earned a bachelor’s degree in biology. However, translating that into a career was challenging.
“I didn’t major in biology because I had a career goal in mind. I chose it because that’s what I loved to study,” she pointed out, recalling she worked various jobs after graduating and eventually returned to CNU for graduate school.
In 2007, she earned a master’s degree in environmental science. Her last semester was pivotal. Watching an adjunct instructor teach a class made Zahn realize she could take a similar route.
“I was getting ready to graduate with my master’s knowing that it would be a credential to teach (at VPCC),” Zahn remembered. “So as soon as I graduated, I applied.”
She landed a biology class that fall semester. The next semester, a temporary full-time position opened, and more opportunities followed until she was hired full-time.
She describes the progression as “serendipitous,” being in the right place at the right time and prepared to seize opportunities.
After 17 years at VPCC, primarily teaching anatomy and physiology, Zahn assumed the interim associate dean role in January 2026. She supports adjunct faculty, oversees hiring and credentialing, helps coordinate class schedules and assignments and works with students to address their concerns.
She said the position has broadened her understanding of the College beyond the classroom. It’s given her a new appreciation for the many administrative responsibilities and competing factors involved in running a college effectively.
For the once-uncertain college freshman turned college administrator, a career in education has been rewarding. Zahn has earned recognition for teaching and scholarship, including the TRiO Faculty of the Year award in 2009-10 and the College’s 2024 Vanguard Award for Scholarly and Creative Engagement. The latter acknowledged her work writing four laboratory manuals published by educational products company Kendall Hunt.
Despite expanded administrative responsibilities, Zahn remains passionate about science education, especially for students who aren’t pursuing a STEM field. She believes every student needs scientific literacy to understand the world and make informed decisions as a citizen.
“Regardless of what they want to do with their life,” she said, “students should understand how science affects everyday life.”
Based on personal experience, she has sound advice for students. That’s don’t let uncertainty dictate what comes next.
“Start slow. Take a couple of classes. Figure out what your passion is and then pursue it,” said Zahn, stressing it’s important for students to identify what matters and make choices that allow them to pursue it.
Her scientific interests also include environmental science, ecology and herpetology, the study of reptiles and amphibians. As an educator with the Virginia Herpetological Society, she supports education and conservation efforts. She is also pursuing a doctoral degree in health science at Radford University, with completion anticipated in December 2028.
Zahn shares her zeal for science with her husband, Martin. A longtime biology educator who served as full- and part-time faculty, he retired from the College after more than two decades.
Through teaching and leadership, she hopes others recognize her enthusiasm for science and her commitment to helping people succeed. Zahn wants that enthusiasm to be contagious and hopes students and colleagues know they can count on her support.
