Shana L. Warkentine Meyer will join McPherson College as vice president for student affairs.
Shana L. Warkentine Meyer will join McPherson College as vice president for student affairs after the completion of this academic year. She brings more than 23 years of administrative experience in higher education to the position including her current role as interim vice president for student affairs at St. Mary’s College of Maryland.
“McPherson College is fortunate to have found somebody with the depth of knowledge and experience to fill the leadership role in student affairs,” President Michael Schneider said. “I am grateful for the leadership from Interim Dean of Students Jamie Pjesky the past nine months. Shana is a welcome addition to a team focused on strengthening the McPherson College student experience.”
Throughout her career, Meyer has provided institutional leadership in student development, risk management, diversity training, budgeting, strategic planning, master planning, crisis response, and assessment. Additionally, she has held leadership positions in the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators including representing 10 states as a regional director and as vice president for student affairs initiatives on the organization’s conference planning subcommittee.
At McPherson College, Meyer will design and manage all student-driven programs that attract potential students, enhance student development, promote retention, and enrich the academic experience for all students. She will oversee student life initiatives, residential staff and activities, coordinate dining and healthcare, work with academic services, and promote safety throughout all aspects of student affairs.
Prior to her current interim position, Meyer served as vice president for student affairs at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri, and as assistant vice president of student affairs at Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas. She has also worked in student and academic affairs roles at Kansas State University Polytechnic in Salina, and Kansas State University in Manhattan.
“As a Kansas native, I am thrilled to be returning home,” Meyer said. “McPherson College is a special place with welcoming people and engaged students. When I visited campus, I was impressed with the quality education, excellent student experience, and the value McPherson College offers.
“There are many exciting opportunities on the horizon and I’m eager to work alongside President Schneider, faculty, staff, the student affairs team, and our students to continue and build upon the great work begin accomplished. Most importantly, I look forward to finding ways to interact with and support our students.”
She holds an M.S. in Counselor Education, Student Personnel Emphasis, and a B.S. in English/journalism, with a communication minor, from Emporia State University, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in student affairs in higher education from Kansas State University.
Meyers will begin work on June 1, 2021.