Michael Sanders hired as MSSU Dean of Admissions

(From Southern News Service)

The Admissions Department at Missouri Southern State University will be under new leadership with the hiring of Michael Sanders as the university’s new Dean of Admissions.

Sanders, who comes to Missouri Southern with more than 12 years of higher education and recruitment experience, currently serves as the Director of Recruitment at the University of Idaho, where he supervises a team of 15 recruiters for the four-campus institution. The University of Idaho has a student population of approximately 12,000.

“What drew me to this position was the opportunity to work alongside the faculty, staff and administration here who have a deep and vested interest in student access to higher education and their success therein,” Sanders said. “I look forward to joining the Lion family and working to enhance the recruitment processes that have already been established at Missouri Southern.”

Prior to his role at the University of Idaho, Sanders previously served as Assistant Director of Recruitment and Academic Services at Arizona State University, focusing specifically on building relationships with community colleges.

In March, Sanders was named vice chair for the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers’ recruiting and marketing committee. The association is comprised of more than 2,600 institutions in more than 40 countries.

A native of Idaho, Sanders received his master’s degree in higher- and post-secondary education from Arizona State University. He is currently finishing a Ph.D. in higher education leadership from Colorado State University. Sanders and his wife, MaChel, have two children, Hannah, 11, and Garrett, 7.

“The Dean of Admissions plays a critical role in the development and oversight of our new student recruitment at MSSU,” said Dr. Brad Hodson, executive vice president. “I’m excited Michael and his family have made the decision to be part of this institution, and for him to bring his energy and perspective to such a high-achieving team.”

Sanders will replace Derek Skaggs, who is retiring from the position after 21 years of service to Missouri Southern. Sanders will begin his new role on Aug. 13.