Shana Meyer, currently the assistant vice president for student affairs at Fort Hays State University, has been named vice president for student affairs at Missouri Western State University. She will begin her duties at St. Joseph on April 1.

"I'm very proud of Shana's selection," said Dr. Edward H. Hammond, FHSU president. "The decision by Missouri Western confirms what we have known for seven years, that she is a rare commodity in higher education administration. She is someone who brings to the job exceptional experience, outstanding knowledge and the ability to be effective with students, faculty and staff. In my 50 years in higher education, I've had the opportunity to work with a dozen professionals who have gone on to be chief student affairs administrators. Shana Meyer has the skill and the potential to be the best."

Meyer has been assistant vice president for student affairs at FHSU since August 2006.

"We had an excellent pool of applicants to fill this critical position, and I'm pleased to welcome Shana Meyer to our senior leadership team," said Dr. Robert Vartabedian, Missouri Western's president. "She brings with her a wealth of student affairs experience from Emporia State, Kansas State and most recently Fort Hays State."

Before coming to FHSU, Meyer served for six years as assistant director of college advancement for student life and director of student life at Kansas State University at Salina. Previously, she was coordinator for academic affairs and residence life coordinator at Kansas State University.

"I am excited to join the team at Missouri Western," Meyer said. "In my interactions with staff, faculty, students and alumni, pride in the institution and a true sense of community were described repeatedly. I couldn't find a more gracious, welcoming group of people than what I've found at Missouri Western. I look forward to working with this committed group of professionals who are already striving to make a difference in the lives of students."

She added: "Many thanks to my friends and colleagues at FHSU for their tremendous support over the past seven years. I wish the Tigers continued success in the future."

At Fort Hays State, Meyer led the "Student Life Cluster," including student activities, Greek life, student publications, residential life and many other units. She received a Bachelor of Science in English/Journalism and a Master of Science in Counselor Education from Emporia State University and is working on her doctorate in student affairs in higher education from Kansas State University.

"Shana is an outstanding colleague who has positively impacted the lives of students and the Hays community," said Dr. Tisa Mason, vice president for student affairs at FHSU. "She will be missed. Missouri Western is gaining a highly valuable and caring professional."

Meyer succeeds Dr. Judy Grimes, who has served as interim vice president for student affairs at Missouri Western since last April.

About Missouri Western State University

MWSU is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high-quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. See www.missouriwestern.edu.