Leadership Team

Jeff L. Pittman, Ph.D.
Chancellor

Jeff Pittman, Ph.D., began his role as chancellor of St. Louis Community College in July 2015. He is responsible for guiding a multi-campus college system with four locations that offer college transfer options and more than 80 career-focused programs. STLCC is the largest higher educational institution in the region, the third largest in Missouri and serves more than 50,000 students annually.

Under his leadership, STLCC has developed a comprehensive strategic plan, increased employee participation in the budgeting process with new emphasis on fiscal responsibility, increased opportunities for workforce development initiatives and programming, developed dual enrollment and dual credit programs for high school students, and has focused on maintaining affordable, accessible, quality educational opportunities. In 2016, the STLCC Board of Trustees gave its approval for the development of the Center for Nursing and Health Sciences at the Forest Park campus. The center represents the College’s strategic response to workforce needs in health care and opened for students in STLCC’s health programs in fall 2019. STLCC earned reaffirmation of accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission in 2018.

In fall 2021, the College received approval by the voters of St. Louis city and county for an increased tax levy, with proceeds to be used for expanding programming in high need workforce areas such as health care, information technology, advanced manufacturing, financial services and biotechnology. As a result, the College is planning for $400 million in new construction and renovation at its campuses.

In 2017-2018, Dr. Pittman served as chair of the Missouri Community College Association. He is a past member of the Best in the Midwest Advisory Committee and Talent for Tomorrow Task Force. Currently, he serves as a board member for the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development Commissioner’s Advisory Group, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Missouri Botanical Garden, Christian Hospital, Missouri Community College Association and the Global Community College Leadership Network. 

Dr. Pittman has 34 years of experience in higher education. Prior to joining STLCC, he worked for Ivy Tech Community College in Indiana for 27 years in various academic leadership roles such as statewide vice president of corporate college services and online education. He served as chancellor of Ivy Tech’s Wabash Valley Region and statewide vice provost of distance education.

Dr. Pittman earned a doctorate in educational leadership, administration and foundations, and a master’s degree in human resource development from Indiana State University. He has a bachelor’s degree in business from Indiana University.

Jennifer Arvin, M.A.
Executive Director, Marketing and Communications

Jennifer Arvin joined St. Louis Community College in March 2023 as the executive director of marketing and communications. In this role, she is responsible for creating strategic communications and marketing programs aligned with STLCC’s strategic priorities, driving enrollment, and enhancing the College’s brand and reputation.

Arvin has served in several executive leadership roles leading large, integrated teams across multiple sites. Prior to joining the College, she served as worldwide director of marketing for Lifelines Neuro and director of marketing and communications for Barnes-Jewish Hospital.

Arvin earned her bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville, and a master’s in marketing from Webster University.  

D’Andre Braddix, Ed.D.
Executive Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

D’Andre Braddix, Ed.D., executive director of diversity, equity and inclusion, joined the College in July 2022. He is responsible for providing vision and direction for district-wide diversity and inclusion initiatives and serving as a liaison to community partners and constituents on a wide array of diversity issues.

Braddix has more than 15 years of experience in higher education. Most recently, he was dean of students and senior equity officer at University of Missouri-St. Louis. He earned a doctorate in higher education leadership from Capella University, a master’s degree in adult and higher education, and a bachelor’s degree in criminology and criminal justice from UMSL.

Braddix serves as vice-chair on the board directors of Citizens for Modern Transit to help ensure the St. Louis region has access to a safe, convenient and affordable public transportation system.

Christine Davis, Ed.D.
Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs

Christine Davis, Ed.D., vice chancellor of student affairs, joined the College in January 2020. She is responsible for student engagement and success, as well as leadership of enrollment management, advising, assessment, campus life, career development and financial aid.

Davis has more than 18 years of experience in higher education at both two-year and four-year colleges and universities.

Most recently, she held the role of vice provost for student affairs at Florida SouthWestern State College. She earned a doctorate in education in higher education leadership from Nova Southeastern University, a Master of Education in adult and community education, and Bachelor of Arts in sociology and criminal justice from Florida Atlantic University. Her membership in professional organizations includes American Association of Collegiate Registrar’s and Admissions Officers, Association for Student Conduct Administration, National Behavioral Intervention Team Association, National Academic Advising Association and Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education.

Tanya Dupske, SPHR
Chief Human Resource Officer

Tanya Dupske joined St. Louis Community College in January 2023 as the associate vice chancellor for human resources. In this role, she is responsible for leading comprehensive functions, including staffing, benefits, health and wellness, employee training and professional development, compensation and employee and labor relations.

Dupske has more than 17 years of career experience in human resources in health care, energy and retail. She has served in leadership roles at mid-size and large organizations, guiding human resources operations most recently at Tinuum Group, LLC, and partnering to meet business operations human resources needs at Express Scripts Inc.

She holds a master’s degree in human resources training and development and a bachelor’s degree in management with an emphasis in human resources from Webster University. A proud alumna of the College, she began her educational career at STLCC-Florissant Valley, where she earned an associate degree in human services.

Dupske is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), a Korn Ferry Leadership Architect™ and a Korn Ferry Interview Architect™.

Andrew Langrehr, Ph.D.
Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

Andrew Langrehr, Ph.D., was appointed as vice chancellor for academic affairs in July 2015. He provides districtwide oversight of the College’s curriculum-related policies, articulation of courses and programs, assessment of student learning outcomes, institutional research and instructional resources. Dr. Langrehr previously served as the vice president for academic affairs at STLCC-Meramec. He joined the College as a full-time chemistry instructor in 2001. He served as the department chair for physical and engineering sciences and the academic dean for the science and technology division prior to his appointment as vice president.

Dr. Langrehr was a full-time chemistry instructor at Jefferson College before coming to STLCC. He began his community college career as an adjunct chemistry instructor at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Dr. Langrehr holds a Ph.D. in education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and studied chemistry at both Central College and the University of Iowa earning a bachelor’s and master’s degree, respectively.

Hart Nelson, M.B.A.
Chief Operating Officer

Hart Nelson was promoted to chief operating officer in January 2022. He is responsible for operations of the College to include strategic planning and management for facilities and new construction projects, information technology, process improvement and workforce development. He joined STLCC in 2018 as associate vice chancellor, Workforce Solutions Group.

Nelson has more than 25 years of career experience in public policy, government relations, intelligence and information technology.

He has served in roles such as vice president of public policy for the St. Louis Regional Chamber, a foreign service officer with the U.S. Department of State, an intelligence officer with the United States Navy Reserve, and an information technology architect with IBM. As a volunteer, he is board chair of Citizens for Modern Transit and vice chair of the Missouri Military Preparedness and Enhancement Commission.

Nelson has a Bachelor of Arts in political science and mass communication from University of California-Berkeley, and master’s degrees in business administration and information management from Washington University in St. Louis.

Mark W. Swadener, CPA, MBA
Vice Chancellor for Finance and Chief Financial Officer

Mark Swadener was promoted to vice chancellor for finance in May 2022. His responsibilities include all finance department functional units, budgeting, auxiliary services and facilities rentals. He joined STLCC in finance and accounting in October 2017.

Swadener has more than 25 years of professional experience in education and health care fields, including nine years as vice president of finance and chief financial officer of a diverse four-year private university. He has over 35 years of experience in the commercial real estate industry and has been a certified public account for more than 40 years.

Swadener holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration-accounting from Indiana University, and a master’s in business administration from University of Missouri- St. Louis.

Alfred Adkins, M.A.
Director of Public Safety and Emergency Management

Chief Alfred Adkins, director of public safety and emergency management, joined St. Louis Community College in March 2017. His career in law enforcement began with St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department in 1980, rising through the ranks from a recruit-in-training to working in patrol, investigative and proactive police units. He held leadership roles as a commander and chief of detectives before retiring as assistant chief of police in 2015. Chief Adkins is a graduate of the FBI National Academy Associates. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in behavioral science from National Louis University, and a Master of Arts in business and organizational security management from Webster University. His community involvement includes service as a former board member of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri. He is a Charles Drew Blood Donor for the American Red Cross, and is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Kelli Burns, M.A.
Associate Vice Chancellor, Institutional Research and Academic Process

Kelli Burns, director of institutional research and planning, joined St. Louis Community College in 2001 as a research scientist. She has served in her current role since 2012, tasked with the responsibility for providing the College with data and information to make informed decisions.

Burns has professional experience as an organizational development consultant and an adjunct faculty member at several institutions. She earned a bachelor's degree in economics and psychology from Bradley University. She has a master's degree in industrial-organizational psychology from University of Missouri-St. Louis.

Jo-Ann Digman, M.S.W.
Executive Director, STLCC Foundation

Jo-Ann Digman was appointed executive director of the STLCC Foundation in March 2011. She previously served as the executive director of InSight St. Louis, a non-profit dedicated to recruiting students from historically black colleges and universities to the city to live and work. She also served as vice president of external relations for the Merisant Company, director of external relations for Monsanto and assistant to the chancellor at Saint Louis University. Digman also served as district director for Sen. Christopher "Kit" Bond, and as a caseworker for Sen. John Danforth. She holds both master's and bachelor's degrees in social work from Saint Louis University.

Phyllis Ellison, M.B.A.
Associate Vice Chancellor, Workforce Solutions Group

Phyllis Ellison joined the College in March 2022 as associate vice chancellor, Workforce Solutions Group. In this role, she is responsible for the overall development and management of corporate and community workforce development, continuing professional development, personal enrichment education, as well as managing entrepreneurial initiatives to meet the needs of the local, regional and national workforce.

Ellison’s career experience includes serving as the vice president of partnerships and program development at Cortex Innovation Community, director of Startup Connection, InvestMidwest Venture Capital Forum, as well as experience in private sector industries, consumer finance, commercial real estate and corporate consulting.

She has a Bachelor of Arts in business administration and economics from Truman State University and a Master of Business Administration from Saint Louis University.

Julie Fickas, Ed.D.
Campus President and Chief Academic Officer, Forest Park

Julie Fickas, Ed.D., was selected as campus president and chief academic officer by the Board of Trustees in July 2019. Her career includes leadership roles as dean of STEM and business at Forest Park; interim dean of business and communications, as well as science, math and health at STLCC-Meramec; and biology department chair at STLCC-Florissant Valley, which included teaching anatomy and physiology. She first joined STLCC to teach biology as an adjunct faculty instructor in 1990. She became a full-time faculty member in 2009. Dr. Fickas earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in biology from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. She has a doctorate in interdisciplinary leadership from Creighton University.

Elizabeth Gassel Perkins, Ed.D.
Campus President and Chief Academic Officer, Florissant Valley

Elizabeth Gassel Perkins, Ed.D., joined STLCC as provost of the Florissant Valley campus in August 2016. Prior to joining STLCC, Dr. Perkins served in a variety of academic roles at Darton State College (now Albany State University). She most recently served as interim vice president of academic affairs at Darton after serving as dean of the school of humanities and social sciences. Throughout her tenure at Darton, she also served as interim dean of math and science, dean of learning support, and dual enrollment program coordinator. She served as the statewide chair of the USG Learning Support Advisory Committee and served on several state and college committees, including consolidation task forces for the new Albany State University. She began her career at Darton in 2006 as an English instructor and was promoted to tenured associate professor. Dr. Perkins earned her doctorate in leadership with an emphasis in higher education from Valdosta State University and a bachelor's degree summa cum laude in English and a master's degree in English from the University of Montevallo.

Feng Hou
Chief Information Officer

Feng Hou joined St. Louis Community College as chief information officer in June 2022. In his role, he is responsible for district-wide information technology infrastructure, including academic support inititatives, student support services, education and training, customer service and support to contribute to student success, innovation and community transformation.

Hou has more than 20 years of career experience, and is a leading national digital transformation expert in higher education and senior IT leadership. He is Harvard educated, has taught graduate-level courses focused on blockchain, and has earned awards in the industry.

Hou currently serves as the education vertical chair of Blockchain Chamber of Commerce, co-chair of Sovrin Ecosystem Governance Framework Taskforce, and is the founding chair of Education (Blockchain) Architecture Special Interest Group at Hyperledger Community under Linux Foundation and the co-founder of Albuquerque Blockchain Alliance (ABA). He was twice elected as the president of Florida Association of Educational Data Systems (FAEDS) and served on the National Reviewing Board for the Blockchain Certificate Exam.

Ryan McKenna
Government and Community Relations Liaison

Ryan McKenna, government and community relations liaison, joined the College in April 2018. He has 27 years of experience in political and public affairs and government relations. His responsibilities include working with the state legislature and local elected officials to maintain awareness of the College, provide leadership for government affairs, keeping STLCC administrators informed of legislation and policy initiatives that affect higher education, and develop strategies to advocate for the College at the state and federal level. Previously, McKenna served as the designated principal assistant at the Missouri Division of Workforce Development. He is a former state director of the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. He served two terms in the state Senate, and three terms in the state House of Representatives. He was named Outstanding Legislator by St. Louis Business Journal in 2002, 2007 and 2008, and recognized as the Missouri Community College Association Legislator of the Year in 2000. McKenna earned a Bachelor of Science in education from Missouri State University.

Feleccia Moore-Davis, Ph.D.
Campus President and Chief Academic Officer, Meramec

Feleccia Moore-Davis, Ph.D., joined the College in August 2019. She has more than 20 years of experience in higher education, from teaching to administrative roles, within community colleges. Prior to STLCC, Moore-Davis served as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Tallahassee Community College in Florida. Her career includes teaching psychology and serving as department chair. She worked at Lone Star College-CyFair in Houston in roles as dean and vice president for instruction, serving more than 20,000 students. Moore-Davis earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Xavier University in New Orleans, a master’s degree in industrial/organizational psychology from Texas A&M University and a doctorate in organizational leadership from Regent University. Her professional service includes the American Association of Community College Commission on Institutional Infrastructure and Transformation, Capitol Center Youth Services and American Council of Education of Women’s Network.

Stephen W. White, Ed.D.
Campus President and Chief Academic Officer, Wildwood

Stephen W. White, Ed.D., stepped into his current role as campus president and chief academic officer at STLCC-Wildwood in July 2022. Prior to this, he served for nine years as the dean of science, technology, engineering and math at STLCC-Florissant Valley. White began his career in higher education at Ozarks Technical Community College, where he taught science courses. Prior to this, he worked as a professional in the field of environmental protection. He holds a bachelor's degree in biology from Missouri State University, a master's degree in biology from Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia, and a doctorate in higher education administration - instructional leadership from Lindenwood University. His dissertation, Deciding on Science: An Analysis of Higher Education Science Student Major Choice Criteria, explores the motivation of students entering the educational field in the sciences.