Meet STLCC's New Vice Presidents for Student Affairs
Wednesday, August 4, 2021
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Fueled by a desire to enhance the student experience, St. Louis Community College recently welcomed the addition of four vice presidents to the College.
The new positions are the result of a multi-level reorganization designed to streamline processes within the student affairs department. In these new roles, the vice presidents are responsible for leading districtwide functional areas, as well as serving as the chief student affairs officer at their respective campus.
“Each vice president brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the department and the College,” said Christine Davis, Ed.D., vice chancellor for student affairs. “We welcome their leadership, and we look forward to leveraging their talents to better serve our students and move STLCC forward.”
Florissant Valley
In this role, Massey is responsible for academic advising, access disability services and career development. She has more than 17 years of experience in higher education and has held titles including academic advisor, manager of academic advising, manager of student success initiatives, and interim director of academic advising and student success.
Massey earned a master’s degree in educational leadership and policy analysis with an emphasis in student affairs from the University of Missouri-Columbia, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Truman State University.
A graduate of Hazelwood East High School, Massey has a passion for the College and its mission of empowering students, expanding minds and changing lives.
“There is nothing better I can think of doing than paying it forward to the students we serve at STLCC," Massey said. "This coming year, I’ve made it a goal to wrap my arms around the Florissant Valley campus and make sure our students are cared for and successful in their journey with us.”
In addition to her work at STLCC, Massey enjoys spending time with her three daughters.
Forest Park
Prior to joining STLCC, Copeland served Jefferson College as the community college’s director of student compliance and Title IX coordinator. He held several positions over five years at St. Charles Community College before moving to Jefferson College, including his final position as executive dean of student life. He began his career at Chattanooga State Technical Community College.
"As a first-generation college graduate who understands the value of education, I believe a community college education is the centerpiece for transforming post-secondary education in the 21st century," Copeland said.
Copeland received a master’s degree from Austin Peay State University in sports administration and a bachelor's degree from Georgia State University in exercise science. He’s currently pursuing a doctorate from Saint Louis University in higher education administration, with plans to complete the program next year. His scholar-practitioner work centers around student success, funding in higher education, student conduct, and diversity/inclusion within the community college.
Apart from working at STLCC, Copeland officiates college basketball throughout the Midwest at the NCAA Division I, II, and III levels and community colleges in Missouri and Illinois.
Meramec
Johnson brings 17 years of higher education experience with her, having worked with non-traditional, traditional and first-generation students in public and private four-year universities, historically black colleges and universities, and community colleges. Most recently she served as assistant vice president for student affairs at Bowie State University.
“My first goal is to develop a solid, cohesive team by empowering them, valuing their knowledge and expertise, helping them to understand the connection between their roles and the goals of the institution, and creating a caring and supportive environment for them to do their best work,” Johnson said.
Johnson will also focus on building a robust mentoring program, establishing a top-notch first-year experience program, revamping the new student orientation program, and establish consistency in how all campuses engage with and provide student activities for STLCC students.
“We, as an institution, need to ensure that students are socially integrated into the fabric of our community by providing stronger support systems, opportunities for social involvement, and for building peer relationships,” she said.
Johnson received her bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland-Baltimore County, her master's and educational specialist degrees from Florida State University, and her doctorate in education from Wilmington University.
She and her daughter recently moved to St. Louis from the Baltimore area. She describes herself as a quiet, low-key introvert.
Wildwood
Robinder joined STLCC in 2019 as the vice president for student affairs at STLCC-Meramec. Before that, he worked for 10 years as an assistant, associate and interim dean for student affairs at Iowa State University. Earlier in his career, he served as the director of student life and community engagement at Laramie County Community College. Over the years, he has taught undergraduate and graduate courses focused on student success, leadership, student development, and program assessment and evaluation.
“I have a vocational calling to educate students; assisting them inside and outside the classroom to learn the knowledge and skills they need to be successful, both during and after college," Robinder said. "I went into student affairs because I had a great experience in college as a student and student leader, and I strongly believe in the power of helping people discover their potential.”
Robinder earned both a doctorate in community college leadership and a master’s degree in student affairs and higher education from Colorado State University. He began his educational career at the University of Denver, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a focus on hotel and restaurant management.
He and his wife, Wendy, have two children. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, exploring nature, baking gluten-free foods, and traveling.