SEMO Launches New Unit to Enhance Recruitment and Support for Domestic Graduate Students

Dr. Chelsea McNeely, who previously served as director of Early College Programs and Southeast Online, will assume the role of director of Online and Graduate Services. The newly established unit will report directly to Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success Dr. Debbie Below. McNeely says the Online and Graduate Services will focus on attracting, educating, and graduating online learners and domestic graduate students. International graduate students will continue to be recruited and served through International Education and Services.

This new unit will collaborate closely with SEMO's academic departments, faculty, service departments, external partners, and vendors to ensure the University's online and graduate programs remain competitive and accessible. The reorganization highlights SEMO's goal to create a seamless experience from recruitment to graduation for online learners and domestic graduate students, ensuring the highest level of service and support throughout their educational journey.

"Our core mission is to educate and graduate students," said Below. "But first, we must earn their business. Our goal is to improve the recruitment and admissions experience for our future graduate students, making it simpler, more accessible, and tailored to their unique needs."

Below expressed confidence in McNeely's leadership, citing her extensive experience in enrollment growth and project management.

"Chelsea McNeely is an exceptional leader who understands the modern adult learner," said Below. "Her impressive track record in project management and enrollment growth makes her the ideal leader for the Online and Graduate Services unit."

Transforming Enrollment

The new unit is only one piece of a comprehensive emphasis to align SEMO's internal structures with the changing needs of students. The University identified several key areas to strengthen as part of the Enrollment Transformation Task Force established by SEMO President Dr. Carlos Vargas earlier in the year. The group's charge was to identify strategies with the greatest potential to improve institutional performance and mobilize the campus community to action.

As part of the reorganization, Early College Programs will seek a full-time director and will remain under the Office of the Provost in Academic Affairs. In addition, the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) will hire a full-time director and an additional instructional designer. These positions will further support the instructional design needs of faculty members and assist units such as Online and Graduate Services in delivering high-quality educational experiences.

The Provost's Office will also initiate a search for a full-time Program Specialist or Project Manager to support academic logistics related to program growth and new program launches. This new role will focus on streamlining processes, supporting graduate studies operations, and identifying opportunities for academic resource optimization.

This reorganization reflects SEMO's dedication to meeting the needs of current and future students while continuously adapting to a dynamic higher education landscape. By enhancing its infrastructure and bolstering support services, SEMO aims to offer a more efficient and student-centered experience, ultimately helping learners achieve their academic and career goals.

Applying to SEMO

Southeast Online offers 18 bachelor's degrees, 21 master's degrees, two specialist degrees, two associate degrees, nine certificates, and 14 minors fully online. Degree programs offer the flexibility of online learning with an Online Program Advisor to guide you from enrollment to graduation. SEMO has 62 graduate level programs, majors, and certificates of which 30 are online. Apply today at semo.edu/apply or explore programs at semo.edu/programs.