The Plant Doctor Is In

Meet Kim Akins, better known to students in the University Libraries as The Plant Doctor.
A woman in a gray polo shirt tends to plants in the University Library

Kim Akins tends to the plants in the President's Reading Room.

On a Wednesday morning in mid-August, the University Library quietly anticipates the coming of the Fall Semester. In two short weeks, the building will buzz with the excitement of a new school year. For now, though, the President’s Reading Room enjoys a brief reprieve. The only occupants are a few students wrapping up Summer Session assignments, and Kim Akins of Capital InteriorScapes, better known as The Plant Doctor.  

I first learned of The Plant Doctor not long after the grand reopening of the President’s Reading Room in September 2024. The revitalized greenspace quickly became a fan favorite among the students—as did the person maintaining it. After hearing so many glowing reports of The Plant Doctor, I knew I had to meet her for myself.  

Finding Kim proves simple enough as she makes weekly visits to the University Library. Today she’s watering and cleaning the plants. On another occasion, she will inspect and trim them. Curious, I ask her why she’s dusting the leaves. “I want them to look fake,” she says with a smile.  

"The students who succeeded were the ones who made a connection,” Kim recalls. “I made it my mission to make sure students feel welcome.”

Kim's friendly, kind demeanor gives the impression of seeing an old friend. She handles her job with great diligence, careful not to disturb the students, all while reflecting a warm and welcoming personality. It’s no wonder The Plant Doctor has something of a fan club.  

Her knowledge and experience also shine through her work. Kim may deny that she knows the condition of every stem, leaf, and flower on each plant, but I would beg to differ. She walks me through the rows of greenery, pointing out the rubber plants and the fiddle-leaf figs. When we get to the blue star ferns, she pauses to inspect them. “They’re very happy here.”  

Capital InteriorScapes chose these varieties of plants specifically for the President’s Reading Room. “We do a consultation with each client,” Kim explains the process for matching plants with spaces. “With this room—with the height of it—we needed to have different textures, colors, and height.” Other spaces on campus serviced by her include the Science Library, the 1844 Restaurant, Indigenous Quad, and State Quad.   

A woman in a gray polo shirt poses in front of a row of plants in the University Library
Kim pauses in front of a row of rubber plants and fiddle-leaf figs in the President's Reading Room.

Having such a large portfolio of UAlbany clients amuses Kim. She attended the University as a commuter student for her bachelor’s degree. Being a commuter student, however, presented challenges. She found it difficult to make connections. This inspired her to pursue a career in higher education. “The students who succeeded were the ones who made a connection,” Kim recalls. “I made it my mission to make sure students feel welcome.”

After a 30-year career as an administrator, Kim reevaluated things during the COVID-19 pandemic. “After COVID, I said I was only going to do what I love,” she explained. “I’ve always been a plant person, my entire life. I love plants and I love the impact they have on people.” So, she went back to school and received a certificate in horticulture. 

She then quickly joined Capital InteriorScapes and made her way back to UAlbany. A full-circle moment capping off a journey from commuter student to higher education professional to horticulturist serving a university. From nurturing students to nurturing plants, she says she is able to appreciate the campus in a totally different light now.  

As we finish our conversation, a student packs her books and heads down the stairs. Before the student leaves, she stops Kim and says: “I come here purposefully because of the plants. I find it soothing.”