By: Cole McMillian

Marissa Steimel’s position as the Events and New Student Program Coordinator is one that is particularly important in a time when Missouri Western has seen a steady decline in student enrollment numbers.

Steimel comes to Missouri Western after attending the University of Missouri Saint Louis for her undergraduate degree and the University of Arkansas for her graduate degree, where she knew she wanted to continue her involvement in higher education. Steimel says she was looking for an institution to work at around the size of Missouri Western and that when she visited the choice made perfect sense.

“Almost immediately when I arrived on campus I said, ‘yes, this is where I am going to be,’” Steimel said. “I have been on campuses where you are crammed in, so I really liked the open spaces. But, most importantly, once I actually started interviewing I loved the people. You could tell it was a family and they very much welcomed me.”

The biggest undertakings Steimel oversees are Griffon Edge and Griffon Orientation, the former she is hoping to pump some new life into.

“I was hired to evaluate and to plan them (Griffon Edge and Griffon Orientation) as I would plan them but also to see what does the campus need,” Steimel said. “So,  came in July 5th and basically had to oversee Griffon Edge last year. It’s a great program, but I definitely saw some areas where I can take things from my different experiences and makes some improvements, like with faculty involvement. We’re also working to get more traditions started. We’re working on some traditions for the incoming class to create that they can take with them. It’s going to be great.”

Steimel’s enthusiasm to build a culture at Missouri Western that will affect graduating classes years in the future is not lost on her coworkers.

“Anyone who has ever met Marissa knows that she is the most enthusiastic and outgoing person in the room!” Admissions Counselor Carolyn Kirchhoff said. “Her energy, persistence, and work ethic are just a few things that everyone in the Office of Admissions admires and respects about Marissa.”

Kirchhoff was not alone in her praise. Steimel’s supervisor Dixie Williams, Associate Director of Admissions, Spoke to Steimel’s passion for connecting with students.

“She not only does her job but serves as the Panhellenic Advisor (which is a volunteer position). She supports the sororities on campus through programs, meetings, etc. She is very student centered.”

Steimel has hit the ground running in her new position and hopes to continue bolstering the attachment incoming freshmen feel towards Missouri Western.

“I’m most excited to show the students who have worked Griffon Edge in the past or gone to it how much of a difference even a little change can make,” Steimel said. “They are already seeing it with Griffon Orientation. It was very process driven; it’s more of a people driven process now. We’re more focused on how are we acclimating you to campus during that full day program and putting the focus there because that will translate into some changes we’re making in Griffon Edge.”