MVC Hires Director of Student Employment

Missouri Valley College is expanding its student work program to create more opportunity and experience for students, and Mike Elam is coordinating the effort. MVC welcomed Elam to campus this week as the college’s first director of student employment.

Elam, a 23-year Army veteran, will report to Dr. Terry Russell, vice president of student affairs. Elam has extensive higher education administration experience in admissions recruitment, work study, and veterans’ assistance.

Besides serving students in the undergraduate work study program, Elam will work closely with Dr. Jennifer Livengood, supervisor of the college’s graduate assistants who work with staff and faculty, and Debi Bultmann, assistant athletic director, who oversees with the graduate assistants employed in athletics.

“I’m so glad to be a part of the team,” said Elam. “There is a great culture here and a ‘get-it-done’ attitude. Everyone has been so helpful.”

Livengood, an associate professor of psychology and community counseling, said having a dedicated person with experience and background “will give us better oversight and supervision and allow us to grow the program and provide an even better experience for students.”

After his Army career, Elam spent 16 years at Lindenwood University where he served as an admissions and financial aid counselor and veterans’ specialist for five years. He then served as director of Student Life Sports for the next five years. Most recently, he served as director of the shooting sports program at Lindenwood.

“Mike brings a wealth of expertise to us,” said Russell. “He’s a seasoned administrator with plenty of experience dealing with federal rules and regulations.”

Elam earned his bachelor’s degree from Lindenwood.