Leadership Team

Jeff L. Pittman, PhD
Chancellor

Jeff Pittman, PhD, began his role as chancellor of St. Louis Community College in July 2015. He leads a four-campus college system offering college transfer options and more than 80 career-focused programs. STLCC is the largest higher education institution in the region, the third largest in Missouri and serves more than 50,000 students annually.

Under his leadership, STLCC has implemented a strategic plan, increased employee participation in the budgeting process with an emphasis on fiscal responsibility, expanded workforce development initiatives and programming, strengthened dual enrollment and dual credit opportunities for high school students and maintained affordable, accessible, high-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 reflects the College's strategic response to workforce needs in health care and opened 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 launched a $400 million construction and renovation program across 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. He serves on the boards of 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. Before joining STLCC, Pittman spent 27 years at Ivy Tech Community College in Indiana, serving in academic leadership roles including statewide vice president of corporate college services and online education, chancellor of the 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 also holds a bachelor's degree in business from Indiana University.

 

Jennifer Arvin, MA
Executive Director, Marketing and Communications

Jennifer Arvin, MA, 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 a bachelor's degree in mass communications from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, and a master's degree in marketing from Webster University.

 

Faith Barnes, MA
Executive Director, St. Louis Community College Foundation

Faith Barnes, MA, joined St. Louis Community College in July 2026 to lead the College’s Foundation. She brings more than 20 years of experience in strategic fundraising, donor engagement and advancement leadership.

Barnes has led development and special events efforts for local K-12 school districts and previously held advancement leadership roles at KIPP St. Louis, Loyola Academy and FOCUS St. Louis. She has a strong record of building philanthropic partnerships and securing sustainable resources.

Under her leadership, the Foundation advances funding opportunities that support STLCC programs, initiatives and student success. Barnes holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in sociology from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

 

D’Andre Braddix, EdD
Ombudsperson

D’Andre Braddix, EdD, joined St. Louis Community College in July 2022. He advances STLCC’s mission, vision and values through strategic engagement across the College and throughout the community.

Braddix brings more than 18 years of higher education experience. Most recently, he served as dean of students and senior equity officer at the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL). 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 chair of the board of directors for Citizens for Modern Transit, helping ensure the St. Louis region has access to safe, convenient and affordable public transportation.

 

Amy Clendennen, JD
General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer

Amy Clendennen, JD, joined St. Louis Community College in January 2024 as general counsel and chief legal officer. She represents the College in legal matters and advises stakeholders on a broad range of legal issues.

Clendennen brings more than 16 years of experience providing legal counsel to K-12 school districts, colleges and universities. She previously served as general counsel at Truman State University. Before that, she was a shareholder at Tueth, Keeney, Cooper, Mohan & Jackstadt P.C., where she represented educational institutions and private clients.

Clendennen earned a juris doctor from Washington University in St. Louis, a bachelor’s degree from Truman State University and a master’s degree from Ball State University.

 

Christine Davis, EdD
Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs

Christine Davis, EdD, vice chancellor of student affairs, joined St. Louis Community College in January 2020. She provides leadership for student engagement and success, enrollment management, advising, assessment, campus life, career development and financial aid.

Davis brings more than 18 years of higher education experience at two-year and four-year institutions. Most recently, she served as 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’s degree in adult and community education and a bachelor’s degree in sociology and criminal justice from Florida Atlantic University.

Davis is a member of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, the Association for Student Conduct Administration, the National Behavioral Intervention Team Association, NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising and NASPA: Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education.

 

Tanya Dupske, SPHR
Chief Human Resource Officer

Tanya Dupske, SPHR, joined St. Louis Community College in January 2023 as associate vice chancellor for human resources. She leads human resources operations, including staffing, benefits, health and wellness, employee training and professional development, compensation and employee and labor relations.

Dupske brings more than 17 years of human resources experience in health care, energy and retail. She has held leadership roles at mid-size and large organizations, most recently guiding human resources operations at Tinuum Group, LLC, and supporting business operations 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 STLCC, she began her education at the Florissant Valley campus, where she earned an associate degree in human services.

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

 

Elizabeth Gassel Perkins, EdD
Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs

Elizabeth Gassel Perkins, EdD, was promoted to vice chancellor for academic affairs in July 2026 after joining St. Louis Community College in 2016 as campus provost and later president of the Florissant Valley campus. She leads the College’s academic programs, support areas, curriculum and K-12 programs.

Throughout her career, Perkins has led initiatives to reduce barriers to college access and improve student retention. She has helped redesign developmental education, implement multiple measures for course placement and expand dual credit, early college and dual enrollment opportunities throughout the St. Louis region. She also serves on statewide and regional task forces focused on transfer initiatives and dual credit policy.

A native of Florissant, Perkins is active in the community and has received the NCI Elmer Belsha Leadership Award, Christian Hospital Foundation Drum Major Award, Outstanding Education Award from North County Churches Uniting for Racial Justice and Harmony, and Phi Theta Kappa’s Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction.

Perkins brings more than 20 years of higher education experience, including faculty, academic support and leadership roles in Georgia and Alabama. She earned a doctorate in leadership with an emphasis in higher education from Valdosta State University and a bachelor’s and master’s degree in English from the University of Montevallo.

 

Hart Nelson, EdD
Chief Operating Officer

Hart Nelson, EdD, was promoted to chief operating officer at St. Louis Community College in January 2022. He oversees College operations, including facilities, construction projects, information technology, process improvement, workforce development and strategic planning. He joined STLCC in 2018 as associate vice chancellor of the Workforce Solutions Group.

With more than 25 years of experience in public policy, government relations, intelligence and information technology, Nelson has held roles with the St. Louis Regional Chamber, U.S. Department of State, United States Navy Reserve and IBM. He serves as board chair of Citizens for Modern Transit and vice chair of the Missouri Military Preparedness and Enhancement Commission.

Nelson earned a doctorate in higher education leadership from Maryville University, master’s degrees in business administration and information management from Washington University in St. Louis and a bachelor’s degree in political science and mass communication from the University of California-Berkeley.

 

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

Mark Swadener, CPA, MBA, was promoted to vice chancellor for finance at St. Louis Community College in May 2022. He oversees finance department operations, budgeting, auxiliary services and facilities rentals. He joined STLCC in finance and accounting in October 2017.

Swadener brings more than 25 years of experience in education and health care, including nine years as vice president of finance and chief financial officer at a four-year private university. He also has more than 35 years of experience in commercial real estate and has been a certified public accountant for more than 40 years.

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

Regina Blackshear, MBA
Associate Vice Chancellor for Students

Regina Blackshear, MBA, has served as the associate vice chancellor for students at St. Louis Community College since January 2020. She oversees recruitment and outreach, enrollment services, financial aid, testing services, international and veteran certifications, and various program partnerships aimed at enhancing student achievement. Blackshear initially joined the College in 2012 as the districtwide director of financial aid and scholarships.

Prior to STLCC, Blackshear served as director of financial assistance at Harris-Stowe State University and chief financial officer at Goldfarb School of Nursing. Her education career also includes roles with Saint Louis Public Schools Adult Education, St. Louis College of Health Careers and Sanford Brown College. Blackshear earned a master’s degree in business administration and a bachelor’s degree in management from National Louis University. She also holds an associate of applied science in accounting from Sanford Brown.

 

LaShanda R. Boone, PhD
Vice President of Multicultural Student Services and Chief Student Affairs Officer

LaShanda R. Boone, PhD, vice president of multicultural student services and chief student affairs officer, joined St. Louis Community College in July 2022. She provides strategic leadership for programs and initiatives that advance student success, access and belonging for underrepresented and marginalized student populations.

With nearly 30 years of experience in education, Boone has held leadership roles as a K-12 school superintendent, vice president of student affairs and enrollment management and professor in a college of education at a four-year public institution. Her expertise includes cultural engagement, enrollment management and creating pathways to student success.

Boone earned a doctorate in education and a master’s degree in adult and higher education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, along with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Benedict College.

An accomplished scholar and speaker, Boone has presented at national conferences on topics including cultural engagement, access, student belonging, enrollment management and persistence among underrepresented students. She also serves on the boards of organizations dedicated to social justice and educational opportunity.

 

Kelli Burns, MA
Associate Vice Chancellor, Institutional Research and Academic Process

Kelli Burns, MA, 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 holds a master’s degree in industrial-organizational psychology from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

 

Julie Fickas, EdD
Campus President, Forest Park

Julie Fickas, EdD, was selected as campus president of Forest Park by the St. Louis Community College Board of Trustees in July 2019.

Fickas has more than 30 years of experience at STLCC, beginning as an adjunct biology instructor in 1990 before advancing into leadership roles including dean of STEM and business at Forest Park, interim dean of business and communications and science, math and health at Meramec and biology department chair at Florissant Valley. She earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in biology from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and a doctorate in interdisciplinary leadership from Creighton University.
 

Kate Herrell, EdD
Campus President, Wildwood

Kate Herrell, EdD, serves as campus president at Wildwood, a role she assumed July 1, 2026.

Dr. Herrell brings extensive experience in academic leadership, student success, workforce-aligned initiatives and community engagement. Most recently, she served as vice president of instruction and student services at Metropolitan Community College of Kansas City’s Longview campus.

Prior to that role, Dr. Herrell held a series of senior academic leadership positions at Lindenwood University, including associate provost for academic operations and student success, assistant provost for academic affairs, and associate dean roles.

She holds a doctorate in instructional leadership and a master’s degree in education from Lindenwood University. She also holds a master’s degree in business administration from Maryville University and a bachelor’s degree in music from Truman State University. Her interdisciplinary background positions her to effectively lead and collaborate with faculty, staff and regional partners to prepare students for high-demand careers.

 

Rob Lee, PhD
Associate Vice Chancellor, Employer and Workforce Solutions

Rob Lee, PhD, a 25-year St. Louis Community College veteran, was appointed associate vice chancellor of Employer and Workforce Solutions in April 2026, where he leads efforts to connect the College with regional employers and develop programs that meet workforce needs. Dr. Lee began his career at the STLCC–Meramec campus in 1999 as a professor of history. Known for his engaging teaching style and deep subject matter expertise, he advanced through several leadership roles.

In 2023, Dr. Lee was named the first dean and director of STLCC–South County, where he tripled enrollment in three years, launched the College's esports team, expanded the practical nursing program and cultivated numerous community partnerships.

He holds a doctorate in American studies from Saint Louis University, an interdisciplinary degree that has shaped his collaborative, boundary-crossing approach to leadership. Dr. Lee's proven ability to build partnerships and drive results positions him to strengthen STLCC's role as the region's premier workforce development partner.

 

Renita Luck, EdS
Associate Vice Chancellor for Distance Learning and Academic Support

Renita Luck, EdS, associate vice chancellor for distance learning and academic support, joined St. Louis Community College in July 2019. In this role, she provides strategic direction and leadership for distance learning, academic success and tutoring, the Center for Teaching and Learning and the Longbow program.

Luck brings more than 15 years of experience in higher education to the College. Before joining STLCC, she served as the executive director for distance learning at Albany State University, where she also managed tutoring and advising services. She played a key role as the statewide chair for the Regents Distance Learning Committee, served on various statewide committees including momentum year, and contributed to numerous college committees, including the consolidation committee and various task forces for the merger of Albany State with Darton State College.

Luck holds an education specialist degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of West Florida, and master’s degrees in adult and career education and instructional design from Valdosta State University.

 

Patrick Mallory, PhD
Interim Campus President, Florissant Valley

Patrick Mallory, PhD, brings over two decades of higher education leadership experience at St. Louis Community College. With a deep commitment to student success and institutional excellence, Mallory has dedicated his career to creating pathways that help students achieve their academic and career goals.

Most recently serving the College as dean of the School of Education, Public Service and Social Science and previously as dean for Technology, Engineering and Math and Business and Social Sciences, he demonstrates versatility across diverse academic disciplines.

Mallory earned a doctorate in American history from Loyola University Chicago, a master’s degree in history and museum studies from the University of Central Oklahoma and a bachelor’s degree in history from Saint Louis University. Throughout his career at STLCC, Mallory has consistently championed equity, access and student achievement, making him uniquely qualified to lead Florissant Valley toward greater student success and community impact.

 

Julie Massey, MA
Vice President of Student Success and Chief Student Affairs Officer

Julie Massey, MA, has served St. Louis Community College since June 2004 and was promoted to vice president of student success in June 2021. She oversees academic, career and transfer advising, access and student success and new student programs.

Massey holds a master’s degree in educational leadership and policy analysis from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Truman State University. She is passionate about helping students realize their potential and achieve their goals. This commitment has driven her to seek ways to enhance the student experience and implement innovative support strategies, ensuring students receive the care and resources they need to thrive.

Massey’s efforts have been recognized with awards such as Outstanding Professional Staff of the Year, Innovation of the Year, and the Exemplary Leadership Award. She has also served on EAB’s Student Success Innovation Council and completed the Student Success Analytics Certificate from Colorado State University.

 

Feleccia Moore-Davis, PhD
Campus President, Meramec

Feleccia Moore-Davis, PhD, joined St. Louis Community 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. Her career includes teaching psychology and serving as a department chair. She also worked at Lone Star College-CyFair 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, 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 Colleges Commission on Institutional Infrastructure and Transformation, Capitol Center Youth Services, and the American Council on Education Women’s Network.

 

Keith E. Robinder, PhD
Vice President of Student Support Programs and Chief Student Affairs Officer

Keith E. Robinder, PhD, serves as vice president for student support programs at St. Louis Community College and chief student affairs officer for the Wildwood campus. He provides districtwide leadership for counseling, Student Advocacy & Resource Centers, the childcare resource and referral program and student affairs assessment. Robinder joined STLCC in 2019 as vice president for student affairs after 10 years at Iowa State University, where he served as assistant, associate and interim dean of students. Earlier in his career, he was director of student life and community engagement at Laramie County Community College.

Robinder brings more than 25 years of experience in student conduct administration, behavioral intervention and student success. He is a founding member and active contributor to the Higher Education Case Managers Association and serves as a faculty member for the Association of Student Conduct Administrator’s Gehring Academy. He has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in student success, leadership, student development, and program assessment and evaluation. Robinder earned a doctorate in community college leadership and a master’s degree in student affairs and higher education from Colorado State University.

 

Andrew Soll
Director of Public Safety and Emergency Management

Andrew Soll joined St. Louis Community College in July 2026 and has extensive experience in public safety, organizational leadership, strategic operations and law enforcement.

Soll previously served with the St. Louis County Police Department in operational and leadership roles, including assignments with the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, enterprise policy development and executive advising. He also led strategic improvement initiatives in the private sector and supported public safety agencies worldwide through Axon. Most recently, he served as director of partnerships at the National Policing Institute. Soll began his education at STLCC before earning degrees from Saint Louis University and the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

 

Keith J. Ware, EdD
Vice President of Student Engagement and Chief Student Affairs Officer

Keith J. Ware, EdD, returned to St. Louis Community College in summer 2022 as vice president of student engagement and chief student affairs officer. Based at the Meramec campus, he oversees campus life and athletics districtwide. Previously, Ware served as director of the African American Male Initiative at STLCC and associate director of the East St. Louis Center at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. He brings nearly 20 years of experience in student affairs and academic affairs across middle school through university settings.

He earned his doctorate in higher education leadership from Maryville University, a master’s degree in European and American studies and a bachelor’s degree in American history from Lincoln University.